A pair of Nova Scotia cabinet ministers recently pushed the local business community here to do its part for a greener economy.

 It's one of the most important issues facing Nova Scotia, Environment Minister Mark Parent told a recent Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce event, noting strong environmental policies and new economic sustainability plans are among necessary steps to be taken.

 Government intends to grow the economy while it tackles environmental challenges, Mr. Parent said.

 "We know that to achieve this goal it will take more than regulation and policy changes," he said. "We know it will take the efforts of Nova Scotians from Bridgewater to Kentville to Yarmouth to Sydney."

 Mr. Parent and Economic Development Minister Angus MacIsaac were in town to speak about the Environmental Goals and Sustainability Prosperity Act government passed about year ago.

 The plan promises a series of emission and landfill waste reductions.

 Mr. MacIsaac told those in attendance that progress is being made toward achieving those goals. He also gave examples of businesses that have taken steps to go green and reduce landfill-bound waste.

 "It illustrates that in fact people are aware and conscious of the need to take the steps."

 Businesses are tuned in, he said.

 "We all have a role to play."

 In some ways, Nova Scotia stumbled upon an economic stimulant when environmental manufacturing ideas bloomed from the challenges associated with landfills.

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 A waste problem translated into a sector worth about $360 million and has about 5,000 people working in the province, Mr. Parent said.

 Staying positive about the prospects of a greener economy is an important consideration for business, he said.

 "We have to get over the idea that we're fighting a losing battle and we have to talk about winning instead."

posted on 10/07/08