Celebrating Community, Vision, and the Power of Sustainable Actions at the Inwit Awards 2024

On October 25th, 2024, the Inwit community gathered at the CSI Spadina for a night of inspiration, connection, and recognition. The Inwit Awards were more than just an awards ceremony – they were a celebration of the innovators, leaders, and everyday changemakers who are turning small sustainable actions into lasting impact.

At Inwit, we firmly believe that every choice matters when it comes to creating a zero-waste future. That’s why we created the Inwit Awards – to amplify the voices of those who are boldly reimagining what’s possible and show how, together, we can make a massive difference.

Fueling the Sustainability Movement

As we kicked off the night, our CEO Erika Reyes shared the “why” behind the Inwit Awards: “Our vision behind this night is to celebrate every bold action to shake the way we are doing business today in society, no matter how small or big they are. Because the most powerful element are the ripple effects of those ones. Tonight we will celebrate, honor and showcase how every action matters”

And that ripple effect was palpable throughout the evening. Guests mingled over zero-waste catering from one of our partners, Hearty Catering, connected through networking games, and expressed their hopes for Toronto in 2034 on our collective “Dream Wall” mural. With a local music playlist as our soundtrack, playing music from local artists advocating for climate action, the energy in the room was electric – a testament to the power of people coming together around a shared vision.

Honoring the Pathfinders

As the night progressed, we had the privilege of presenting several awards to remarkable individuals and teams who are leading the charge towards a more sustainable future.

The Pathfinder Award went to ICUBE, the business incubator at the University of Toronto. They helped us pivot our entire business model to make this dream a reality. Their willingness to take a chance on an unconventional idea opened doors that continue to transform our impact.

Then came Jennifer Lee, recognized as The Trailblazer Award, a stranger-turned-champion who had believed in our vision from the very beginning. “Every ripple in this room,” we told her, “every bit of change we’ve made, started with you.” Her single order had sparked a movement that continues to grow stronger with each passing day.

The City Builder Award recognized Lisa Myre, the Director of Social Procurement at the University of Toronto, for illuminating the power of collective action. “When change finds champions at every level,” we marveled, “what seems complex becomes clear, and what feels impossible becomes inevitable.” Through her continuous support, 35 different teams have embraced zero-waste practices, showcasing how personal commitments can align with institutional values.

As Lisa told us, “At the University of Toronto, we see ourselves as a city within a city – and it’s our responsibility to lead by example.”

Carolyn Taylor and the StreetARToronto team had become a canvas for our mission, amplifying our voice and helping it reach artists, activists, and community members.

And the Brand Power crew had not only embraced zero-waste practices, but made it the new norm for their film shoots, proving that sustainability is possible in even the most fast-paced industries.

The night continued with heartfelt stories of sustained commitment. Keisha from the University of Toronto Chemistry Department and Samantha from the Women in Chemistry Toronto (WICTO) organization had carried the Sustainability Torch Forward, inspiring countless others to join the movement.

But the awards didn’t stop there. We also had the honor of presenting The Earth Keeper Award to Rommel Bellosillo from Greenpeace. As Rommel eloquently reminded us, “True change happens when our actions match our values.” His team’s commitment to walking the talk has inspired countless others to do the same.

A Movement, Not Just a Moment

What made the Inwit Awards so special wasn’t just the incredible stories we celebrated, but the community we’re building. Each of our honorees has shown us that change is possible when vision meets action – and their journeys are far from over.

As we look to the future, we’re more inspired than ever to keep pushing forward. The energy in the room was contagious, leaving us with the sense that this is just the beginning of a movement that will continue to grow.

“The Inwit Awards are more than an annual event; they’re a milestone in a movement that keeps building momentum,” said Naya. “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us, shared their hopes for a better tomorrow, and contributed to the community we’re creating. Because when we come together, every ripple of change builds a wave.”

Join the Zero-Waste Revolution

If you’re feeling inspired by the stories you’ve read, we invite you to join us on this journey towards a more sustainable future. Whether you’re an executive assistant looking to green your company’s events, a sustainability professional seeking like-minded partners, or a member of the general public eager to reduce your footprint, Inwit is here to support you every step of the way.

Explore our network of eco-conscious vendors. Book your next zero-waste catered event. Connect with our team to learn how you can get involved. Together, we can turn small actions into big impact – creating the change we wish to see in Toronto and beyond.

Thank you for being part of our mission. Here’s to the ripples we’ll create together in 2025 and beyond.

Inwit-BasilBoxEdits-WebSize-13

Join the Sustainability Revolution

Elevate Your Office Dining. Transform your office into a sustainability and culinary excellence hub with our sustainable office catering