The Morning Challenge Campaign
The Japanese government has proposed the Morning Challenge campaign, put out by the Environment Ministry, to decrease carbon footprints in the home. The campaign suggests that people go to bed one hour earlier in order to reduce the amount of energy being used at night.
Danielle Demetriou of The Daily Telegraph states:
A typical family can reduce its carbon dioxide footprint by 85kg a year if everyone goes to bed and gets up one hour earlier, according to the campaign.
The amount of carbon dioxide emissions potentially saved from going to bed an hour early was the equivalent of 20 per cent of annual emissions from household lights, “Many Japanese people waste electric power at night time, for example by watching TV until very late,” a ministry spokesperson told The Daily Telegraph.
“But going to bed early and getting up early can avoid wasting electrical power which causes carbon dioxide emissions. If people change their…
British Proposal Calls For Orwellian Personal Carbon Allowances
Britain’s broadsheet the Telegraph reports on a controversial proposal:
Everyone in Britain should have an annual carbon ration and be penalised if they use too much fuel, the head of the Environment Agency will say.
Lord Smith of Finsbury believes that implementing individual carbon allowances for every person will be the most effective way of meeting the targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
It would involve people being issued with a unique number which they would hand over when purchasing products that contribute to their carbon footprint, such as fuel, airline tickets and electricity.
Like with a bank account, a statement would be sent out each month to help people keep track of what they are using. If their “carbon account” hits zero, they would have to pay to get more credits. Those who are frugal with their carbon usage will be able to sell their unused credits and make a profit.
Lord Smith will call…
