April is Earth Month, and Earth Day is April 22nd—a time to reflect on our environmental impact and celebrate the businesses driving change.
This year’s Earth Day theme, Our Power, Our Planet, highlights the urgent need for renewable energy, sustainable materials, and innovative solutions to combat climate change.
In honour of this theme, we’re spotlighting four WEtech Alliance-supported regional “green” companies that are leading the way in sustainability. From utilizing recycled plastics to create outdoor furniture to driving sustainable pest management, these businesses are finding new, innovative ways to reduce waste and create sustainable solutions for a greener future.
As Affinity Outdoor Living President James Gibb points out, plastic is everywhere—from water bottles to cell phones to life-saving medical devices. Yet, its environmental impact is undeniable. According to Stats Canada, Canadians discard approximately 4 million tonnes of plastic annually, with only 8% being recycled. That leaves 3.6 million tonnes polluting our landfills and waterways.
We understand and live with plastic everyday, but how can we find the balance of benefit and minimal impact on our environment? One solution is recycled content manufacturing.
Affinity aims to make good of a bad situation by designing and manufacturing ultra-durable, high end outdoor patio furniture using up to 90% recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE). In 2022 alone, its products diverted over 14,000 pounds of plastic from landfills.
By collecting, sorting, and reprocessing plastics into reusable materials, companies like Affinity can create everything from furniture to car parts while reducing waste. As technology advances, says Gibb, so will opportunities to repurpose plastic sustainably.
The i.d.e.a Fund alum envisions a world where our environmental balance is net zero by being an integral part of a circular economy for goods and products.
IPM Scoutek is transforming pest management by helping growers implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies that reduce chemical pesticide use, minimize environmental impact, and promote healthier crops.
Traditional pest control often relies on synthetic pesticides that harm beneficial insects, contaminate soil and water, and contribute to pesticide resistance. IPM Scoutek’s data-driven approach prioritizes biological controls, cultural practices, and targeted interventions, reducing unnecessary chemical applications.
By enhancing scouting accuracy, the platform enables early pest detection, allowing growers to act before infestations spread. Supporting beneficial insects and natural predators helps preserve biodiversity in greenhouses and surrounding ecosystems. Additionally, precise treatment application conserves water, limits chemical runoff, and reduces waste, while digital scouting records replace paper-based tracking.
Committed to sustainable agriculture, the i.d.e.a. Fund cohort one alum makes eco-friendly growing practices accessible for operations of all sizes.
Handy Bros. has been redefining home comfort since 1959, leading the way in energy-efficient HVAC solutions. With heating and cooling making up over 60% of a Canadian home’s energy use, the Southwestern Ontario-based company sees it as their responsibility to reduce emissions and waste. Their proprietary POD system has saved over $300,000 annually in material shrinkage and increased recycling efforts, with 30–40% of materials reused on every job.
Handy Bros. also pushes the industry forward with cutting-edge heat pumps designed for extreme Canadian winters, helping homeowners lower energy use without sacrificing comfort. Beyond installations, they guide customers through energy audits and rebate programs, making sustainable upgrades more accessible.
Their commitment to sustainability extends into the community through the Handy Bros. Heroes Foundation, which supports families in need. As part of the third cohort of the WEtech-supported i.d.e.a. Fund program, they continue to drive innovation in green technology, proving that efficiency and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
Apex Wind Energy Substitutes Inc. is redefining wind power with WindECS, a next-generation Wind Energy Conversion System designed for efficiency, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness.
Unlike traditional turbines, WindECS optimizes energy capture across varying wind speeds, reducing inefficiencies in both low- and high-wind conditions. The company’s flagship model, AWECS, features a dual-turbine system that enhances energy conversion, making wind power more viable across diverse locations, including offshore. Currently in validation, AWECS aims to increase power output per swept area while minimizing environmental impact.
Sustainability is central to Apex’s innovation process. The company prioritizes recyclable materials, low-emission manufacturing, and a modular structure that reduces land use and wildlife disruption.
As development continues, Apex is seeking partnerships with researchers, renewable energy programs, and industry leaders to accelerate testing and deployment. Those interested in collaboration can contact the company at zougari@windecs.com.
