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Changing the way they do business, helping Earth

By Bill Power, The Chronicle-Herald, June 6, 2008

Sustainability can make for strange bedfellows.

Municipalities, businesses of various sizes and some non-governmental organizations were lauded Thursday for a successful one-year experiment in living and working greener.

"The only thing they had in common was a desire to become more sustainable," spokesman John Colton said of the Atlantic Canada Sustainability Initiative, which brought together 14 partners determined to become more planet-friendly.

Some of the partners came together for a wrap-up session at the Halifax Shambhala Centre on Tower Road and to share stories about the different paths they followed toward increased sustainability.

Mr. Coulton, an associate professor at Acadia University, called the one-year experiment a huge success and said he hoped it leads to something bigger.

"We’d like to increase participation from the other provinces in Atlantic Canada, because most of the involvement this time was from Nova Scotia," he said.

Participants did all sorts of little things, like switching from disposable plastic cups to glass, increasing use of recycled papers and natural fabrics, converting heating systems to greener fuels and adding sustainability criteria to their decision-making and procurement processes.

"We want to become a more sustainable company and want also to deliver these services to others," said Ian Houseal of Jacques Whitford Ltd.

The people at P’lovers, the Environmental Store, launched Beans for Bags, a program in which customers who do not want bags are told that five cents will be donated on their behalf to an environmental organization.

Aliant purchased the first hybrid vehicles for its fleet, among other things, and is now evaluating its performance.

"As a major employer across Atlantic Canada we recognize that we have a responsibility to set the right example," said Marcus Goodick, environment and sustainability manager with Aliant.

Mr. Colton said supporters of the Atlantic Canada Sustainability Initiative are seeking funding to launch a second round with a new group of partners.

Bill Power (bpower@herald.ca)

© 2008 The Halifax Herald Limited

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