Rebecca Pedneault

A knowledgeable and engaged environmental advocate, Rebecca Pedneault helped take waste reduction to a new level at The University of Winnipeg during her undergraduate studies.

Pedneault, who has a BSc in biology and environmental studies, and a minor in geography, received the 2017 Geography and Environmental Students Association (GESA) Eco-Grant for her proposal to introduce a plastic bag recycling program on campus.

Since Winnipeg doesn’t have a residential plastic bag recycling program many unwanted grocery bags end up in the landfill where they break-down slowly and can eventually enter our waterways as harmful microplastics. In partnership with Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba and Winnipeg Harvest’s “Bag It Forward” program, Pedneault’s efforts have helped divert thousands of plastic bags from the landfill.

Pedneault’s aptitude in her chosen field is evident in the glowing reviews from professors in the Faculty of Science, who describe her as an excellent student with a keen willingness to learn in an academic and research environment.

She is also involved in a variety of projects related to her studies and her training as a Master Gardener and arborist. She volunteers with local community gardens and is seasonally employed with UWinnipeg’s Physical Plant.

For her dedication to sustainability and environmental education on campus, UWinnipeg presented Pedneault with the Campus Sustainability Award at its Spring 2017 Convocation ceremonies.