Enviroworks is a nonprofit Used Building Materials Store owned by the Limestone District School Board (LDSB) and operated by the students in the Board. It is a community based partnership which has created a unique training facility where students (especially those "at-risk") can develop marketable job skills and learn about operating a business by actually running one.
The program started four years ago is a strong example of how entrepreneurial ventures can starte when groups understand that opportunities are often disguised as problems. On garbage night in Kingston one could see the incredible amount of quality material being put out on the curb (destined for the dump) because the community had no other way to dispose of it. It was quite ironic since the city of Kingston and its residents were very concerned over increasing pressure on local landfill sites and the fact that tipping fees were so high. The LDSB saw an opportunity to provide a real environmental service to the community and start a viable business for the School Board. More importantly, there was an opportunity to develop a unique, hands-on training facility that would help prepare students in the LDSB for the challenging world of work.
