Reston Environmental Action President Honored for Volunteer Work

Thea Kreinik, president of Reston Environmental Action (REACT) was chosen as an Excellence in Volunteerism winner by her employer, Northrop Grumman.  To honor her service, Northrop Grumman presented REACT with a check for $5,000.

Kreinik is a founding member of REACT and has served as its president since its incorporation. She was one of a handful of residents who envisioned a strategy to answer a common concern among her friends, neighbors and co-workers.  

Kreinik worked with fellow residents to form an organization to engage residents in steps that make a real difference for the planet in their home, neighborhood and community. 

REACT delivers neighborhood projects that not only provide information to residents, but remove barriers to adopting environmental habits through building community, reinforcing improvements and providing feedback.

Kreinik has been instrumental in building the organization and in developing and promoting REACT’s neighborhood projects which have shown to have an impact.  After REACT conducts each neighborhood project, participants are surveyed to learn if there was any environmental behavior change as a result.  

Changes have been reported in every neighborhood. Recycling has increased and more residents are using re-usable items, as well as purchasing more items made with recycled content. Participants are also taking their own takeout containers to restaurants and cups to coffee shops. 

More residents reported increased use of public transportation, combining car trips and carpooling. Residents have adopted several energy efficiency habits including changing thermostat settings, consuming less water, running clothes-dryers less often, using household appliances more efficiently, and adding insulation. 

In yard care, more residents have installed rain barrels and composters, removed invasive plants and planted native plants, and use less chemical pesticides and fertilizer.

According to Mary Brown, REACT’s Director, Kreinik is dedicated to the mission and to producing results.  

“When members suggest ideas, Thea is able to envision how the idea matches the mission and works to address the topic in a manner that aligns with our goals and objectives," she said. "Her historical knowledge of the organization, and holistic, big-picture view keeping the organization on focus is invaluable to REACT.”

To hold a project in your cluster, street or building, contact REACT at info@restonenvironmentalaction.or, or at 703-620-0151.

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