KAGAWONG—Colen McKeever of Kagawong, operator of Eco Growth Manitoulin/Environmental, has received the Green Economy North Member of the Year Award.
Simon Blakely, regional manager program development and government relations of reThink Green presented the award to Mr. McKeever at an awards ceremony held at Science North on Tuesday of last week. “Colen McKeever is being recognized today for his outstanding dedication to promoting sustainable practice and fostering eco-conscious solutions on Manitoulin Island. With over three decades of residency in Kagawong and a background in providing productivity solutions across Canada, Mr. McKeever has become a driving force behind waste diversion and establishing small-scale circular economies in the region. As the owner of Eco-Growth Manitoulin and a member of various environmental committees, including rethink Green/Green Economy North, Billings Township Climate Action Committee, and the Island-Wide Waste Management Committee, Mr. McKeever has showcased exemplary leadership in spearheading initiatives that promote sustainability and reduce waste.”
“Under Mr. McKeever’s guidance, Eco-Growth Manitoulin is at the forefront of innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable food waste recycling services and products. By transforming food waste into renewable energy, Mr. McKeever is reducing waste and contributing to creating a cleaner, greener future for Manitoulin Island and beyond,” said Mr. Blakely. “His commitment to waste diversion and the establishment of circular economies has benefitted local communities and supported the growth of the Island’s tourism industry in an environmentally responsible manner.”
Green Economy North, a membership-based sustainable business program noted Mr. McKeever’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices has made a significant impact in the northern Ontario region.
As an authorized agent for Eco-Growth Environmental, a Calgary-based technology company, Mr. McKeever has been instrumental in providing green solutions for organic waste streams. His work involves converting organic waste into valuable resources, contributing to a more sustainable future, said a Green Economy North release.
Green Economy North recognizes individuals like Colen who champion innovation and drive positive change. Through their efforts, we move closer to a low-carbon economy, benefiting both the planet and our communities.
“I’m about treating food waste as a resource instead of a liability,” said Mr. McKeever, who told The Expositor, “I was pretty honoured and pleased to receive this recognition.”
“I seek to find sources for the waste stream and my main target is organic waste which is the biggest. Thirty-seven percent, by volume, of the waste stream is organic,” said Mr. McKeever. “It makes up 61 percent of waste by weight. Food waste is very high density, it’s the heaviest around and is made up of 80 percent water.”
“I first got involved in Eco-Growth about two and a half years ago to identify cost-effective, environmental ways to get rid of food waste,” said Mr. McKeever.
“In November 2023, Eco-Growth shared in $2 million in funding from the Department of National Defence, which was a big moment for the company and it has been growing by leaps and bounds ever since.”
Eco-Growth signed an agreement with Quad Realty, one of the larger building management companies in Canada with over $73 billion dollars in real estate development for high density residential buildings.
“For Eco Growth Manitoulin I’m all about creating circular economies,” added Mr. McKeever.
