Citizens Environmental Stewardship Association East of Ottawa (CESA-EO) has over ten years of history, and it has come to be known as one of the leading grassroots non-profits dedicated to sustainability issues in Prescott-Russell.
CESA-EO was launched by residents of east Ottawa and Russell Township in opposition to an incoming industrial mega-dump on Boundary Road (City of Ottawa). During the long and arduous campaign the community united around a common vision for healthy and sustainable communities in our region and created a legacy of awareness and activist spirit.
In 2019, the organization rebranded as Eco East to reflect a broadening of the scope and geography of our work. We are involved in information, advocacy and grassroots sustainability projects spanning themes of climate and energy, waste reduction, habitat conservation and regeneration, local food systems and pollution from landfills. We are 100% volunteer driven with about 20 engaged volunteers between our board of directors and working groups. We have been humbled by the support of hundreds of community members for more casual volunteer opportunities, and engage with the wider public regularly on social media, through our quarterly newsletter and at our in person gatherings.