Abridged versions of a draft plan outlining sustainability ideas for Bermuda are now being posted out to residents.

In the latest consultation step copies of a shortened version of the 400-page draft document ?Charting our Course: Sustaining Bermuda? are being sent out by Government with the intention of informing the public of the results of previous research and consultations and to give them the opportunity to add their views and thoughts on the way forward for Bermuda regarding sustainable development.

Announcing the start of the mail out, Premier Alex Scott said: ?We will shortly be announcing the commencement of a phase of intensive consultation, that period of consultation will be to ensure that all Bermudians have input to the proposals put forward.

?The public is the most important stakeholder in the development of proposals for further action and therefore we want to be assured that we have got the plan right.

?It is my sincere hope that the public will engage in open and honest dialogue to help shape the way forward.?

To draw attention to the plan, and also to encourage others to think about their own lifestyle choices and how they impact upon Bermuda?s environment, Mr. Scott intends to ride the bus to work on July 20, which is the official launch date of the public consultation.

He has also pledged to find other ways of getting to his office on various days in the future, such as taking the ferry or walking, and has challenged fellow Islanders to do likewise and make an effort to get to and from work one day a month without using their car or bike.

He said: ?As we go through our consultation exercise with the public of Bermuda, I will be either catching the bus, riding the ferry or walking to work at various times to focus attention not just on traffic congestion, but also to raise the consciousness of all members of the public so that we all consider sustainable development and the part we can and should play.?