Welcome to the first issue of the HASTE newsletter. If you're receiving this, you've either signed up for a user account on the HASTE website, or are someone who we're pretty sure would be interested in occasional updates about the project and school sustainable transportation issues in BC. We'll be sending out newsletter's every few months. If you'd rather not receive them you can unsubscribe at the bottom of this email – but maybe give this inaugural issue a try first? No hard feelings either way.
Earn Idle Free signs for your School.The Provincial Government has Idle Free signs available for free through HASTE. Interested BC schools can order up to 4 signs, each of which measures 12" by 18". They are made of aluminum, digitally printed with reflective coating and anti-graffiti coating, and can be mounted on poles, fences or buildings using two pre-drilled holes. You can also request some Idle Free key chains and vehicle decals to help spread the word.
Walking School Bus and Bicycle Train program suppliesThe Walking School Bus and Bicycle Train program provides students with the opportunity to meet their daily physical activity requirements and reduce their carbon footprint. To support communities across B.C. in encouraging active travel to school, free starter kits and incentives are now available through HASTE for Walking School Bus and Bicycle Train programs. Starter kits include reflective vests and armbands, safety information, and the Bike Safe, Walk Smart DVD. Schools can also apply for up to a maximum of $500 in free incentive equipment, including bicycle racks, pedometers and bike locks, to help support their continued success. HASTE also has a host of resources, ideas and information to help you get a school walking program started.
MyTravel is an online calculator for individuals and groups to measure the greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) arising from trips to and from school. Its unique ability to balance accuracy, details, student identity safety, simplicity and fun allows easy access to measurable and meaningful results. The MyTravel Database allows the user to collect, review and track a group, classroom or school's travel data submitted through the MyTravel Online Calculator.
The MyTravel calculator is informative, engaging and easy to use. If you'd like to bring MyTravel into your classroom, you can sign up for a free online workshop on using the calculator and database and we'll show you how. Classes and schools that use MyTravel to calculate their emissions and record their results are eligible for participation funding through HASTE – $50/class, up to a maximum of $175/school if three or more classes participate.
That's it that's all, thanks for reading. If you'd like more information and resources for bringing sustainable transportation ideas and actions into your school, along with related news and events, visit the HASTE website or contact Omar Bhimji, the project manager, at omar@hastebc.org or 604.876.7962.
