Ideally I would like to eliminate my need to drive to work, but in the case that I can’t, I am going to minimize my transportation carbon footprint as much as I can. And the government might help me do it!
The Canadian government recently announced the ecoAUTO program, which provides rebates to people purchasing fuel-efficient cars and light trucks. (Whether I agree about the light trucks, or the E85 vehicles is another matter entirely.) As of March 20, 2007, cars with a combined rating equal or better to 6.5L/100km will be eligible for up to a $2000 rebate. How will this help me? I’m thinking of getting a smart fortwo.
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Posted by andrewnetherton under
4 "R"s [4] Comments
This past weekend I was listening to CBC Radio One while doing some work for a friend in his basement. While listening to Definitely Not The Opera, host Sook-Yin Lee brought up a very good point in terms of the “3 Rs”. I have previously argued that there should be 4 Rs, with “Repair” being added to the traditional three. Well, Sook-Yin brought up another one that Sarah McGaughey has been praciting that is equally valid, yet almost unexercised in Western society: Refuse.
A good part of the problem is overpackaging of consumer goods. Personally, I like how Germany handled packaging concerns with their Green Dot program. Until something similar happens over on this side of the pond, refusing to accept over-packaged items may be your only alternative to having to attempt to reuse, recycle, or landfill excess packaging. Bottled water - I’m looking at you.
