Halifax, NS, September 17, 2008 – From bike lanes to better bus routes, FUSION’s Sustainability Action Committee is continuing to look for ways to make Halifax an easier place to get around. The team, comprised of more than 15 members, has been getting involved in various sustainability projects over the last year. Most recently, the group has been inspired by the Ecology Action Centre (EAC) Green Mobility Strategy.
“The FUSION Sustainability Action Committee is a strong supporter of the EAC’s Green Mobility Strategy,” explains Adam Harris, a St. Mary’s University student and active member of FUSION’s Sustainability Team. “The plan balances the needs of community with the environmental outcome. The great thing about this plan is that it provides clear, realistic goals,which Nova Scotia can act upon. Lack of alternative transportation is becoming a growing barrier to getting a job, accessing education, healthcare and social opportunities.”
The EAC has been instrumental in helping implement environmental programs in Nova Scotia for the last 35 years, including the province’s successful recycling and composting programs. One of EAC’s current areas of focus includes sustainable transportation. The purpose of the Green Mobility Strategy is to identify areas of improvement for the province’s transportation sector, with a particular focus on passenger transportation.
“27 per cent of Nova Scotia’s greenhouse gas emissions are emitted from the transportation sector (including passenger and freight movement),” explains Laena Garrison from the Ecology Action Centre. “Engaging with eager and enthusiastic young community members, such as those in FUSION, will help EAC move this issue higher on the agenda of local and provincial governments.”
Anyone living in Nova Scotia is aware of the residents’ reliance on private automobiles to get around. Studies have indicated reliance on automobiles is a leading contributor to increased rates of physical inactivity and chronic disease. In addition to these health concerns, rising gas prices have created a financial barrier to transportation. The need for sustainable, affordable transportation is growing.
FUSION’s Sustainability team encourages the province to review this plan and to engage the EAC and members of the community, to create a sustainable transportation plan for Nova Scotia.
“We encourage the province to commit to establishing annual sustainable transportation financing for municipalities, a department steward of sustainable transportation and the integration of land use planning into provincial policy to achieve transportation efficiency,” explains Harris.
In addition to supporting this plan, FUSION’s Sustainability Action Team is encouraging its members to consider alternative transportation whenever possible and is planning a Random Acts of Sustainability event on World Car Free Day, September 22nd, to recognize those Haligonians who choose to use alternative modes of transportation in order to get to work.
The Sustainability Action Committee mission is to focus on educating on sustainable practices, encouraging sustainable transportation, and participating in the HRM community on sustainable initiatives. The team has met with various groups in the community including: the Halifax-Dartmouth Bridge Commission as well as HRM’s Active Transportation Plan and Transportation Planning groups. FUSION Sustainability Action Committee can also be seen around the community picking up litter in their monthly street clean events.
To join the FUSION’s Sustainability Committee visit
www.fusionhalifax.ca or join the FUSION Sustainability Facebook Group. To read the EAC’s Green Mobility Strategy visit
www.ecologyaction.ca/trax
About FUSION HalifaxFUSION Halifax is a networking group created by, and for young people, who are inspired to make their city, a better and more sustainable place to live, work, and play. Through its members, volunteer committees and dynamic networks, FUSION Halifax showcases existing opportunities – and unleashes new ones - that encourage civic and community engagement. For more information or to join FUSION Halifax, visit
www.fusionhalifax.ca -30-
For media inquiries or to schedule interviews, contact:
Christina Biluk
Director Marketing Communications
FUSION Halifax
902-466-0913/902-221-1410
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