About Green Opportunities Inc.

Green Opportunities Inc. (GO) is dedicated to creating a positive environmental impact through innovative recycling solutions. Our journey began in 2000 when Jake, working at the Altona landfill, witnessed materials that could have been recycled being discarded. This moment ignited a vision for change, and he set out to divert materials away from landfills.

Driving Change for a Greener Future

We are driven by an unwavering passion for our work. Change doesn’t have to be a long-term solution; with the right drive and motivation, it can be immediate. We’ve repeatedly proven the effectiveness of what we do, fostering positive benefits, from building relationships to sharing our successes with the communities we serve.

Our Impact

Our dedication has yielded numerous positive outcomes, including:

• Healthier foods on our tables
• Improved soil quality
• Environmental conservation
• Waste diversion from landfills
• Savings in municipal tax dollars
• Enhanced community reputation
• Job creation
• High-quality products
• Commitment to sustainable practices
• Contribution to the Full Circular Economy

Jake’s vision led to the creation of TNC Containers (Town n Country) in Gretna, with Jake as the sole employee. As his vision expanded, so did the business. In 2005, he centralized the company in Winkler, renaming it Penner Waste Inc. Barb, recognizing the potential of Jake’s vision, became a partner and the company’s second employee.

By 2008, Penner Waste had grown to include three more employees, and Jake and Barb’s commitment to the environment continued to evolve. In 2012, they purchased 30 acres and established an Organic and Construction Waste Recycling Facility in the RM of Stanley, near Winkler. The expansion continued with waste hauling services, the launch of Green Opportunities in Winnipeg in 2014, and the acquisition of Pembina Valley Containers and Brandon Waste in May 2017, employing over 56 individuals. The Organics and Construction Recycling sector flourished.

In February 2023, Jake and Barb sold the service side of Penner Waste Inc. and decided to focus solely on the Organic and Construction Waste Recycling under the name Green Opportunities Inc. This shift allowed them to concentrate on their mission to create a positive impact on the community and the environment.

Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success

Our path was not without challenges, which we viewed as opportunities for growth and learning. We celebrated numerous achievements and established valuable friendships and partnerships along the way. These accomplishments included awards, groundbreaking work in the Organics and Construction Waste Industry, and contributions to developing standards and guidelines for Sustainable Energy within the Organics sector. While our service structure has evolved, we continue to offer composting and recycling solutions, producing recycled products marketed back into the community, fostering the Full Circular Economy envisioned by Jake from the outset.

Manitoba Legislative Building (Susan Antler of Compost Council Canada, Jolene Rutter of Green Manitoba, Jake Penner of Penner Waste Inc. (now Green Opportunities Inc.)