A "how to" for clean air

In the March edition of Municipal World there is an article on a new online tool to help municipalities adopt clean air policies and practices. The Clean Air Kit was developed as a collaborative project among BC Transit, BC Ministry of the Environment, and Environment Canada. Essentially it is a step-by-step guide to assist local governments to start a clean air program and though it was developed in British Columbia it can be easily adapted to any municipality.

The kit contains sections on the issues around government jurisdictions, available funding, and transit-friendly planning. There is quite a large section on ways to reduce engine emissions including a great guide to creating a anti-idling campaign. There's even a section on how to 'green' your events and meeting through more environmental practices. It's a great package and well worth a look.

While municipalities in NL deal with long term viability issues it does not mean that we can ignore the responsibility to develop policies and practices that are environmentally friendly. We can be thankful that on some issues others who have the capacity have taken some of the first steps. It is our obligation to follow their lead and take advantage of every opportunity to ensure that the Newfoundland and Labrador of our grandchildren's generation is just a beautiful and pristine as it is in our generation. One way to work toward that goal is to check out The Clean Air Kit and implement clean air policies.