Many supposedly green measures, like worrying about food miles, can be counterproductive (as crops grown in hotter countries need less heating). But one green measure that really makes sense is pay as you throw rubbish.
Each rubbish bag costs money to collect. It is inequitable that those who throw out less should have to subsidise those who throw out more. Charging by bag or weight would encourage householders to buy products that can be reused. Consumers would more often ask retailers to provide the goods without wasteful packaging.
A study by the Reason Foundation has shown that where pay as you throw was implemented in the United States, 17% less unrecyclable rubbish was thrown. Recycling increased substantially. Moreover, there was no significant increase in illegal dumping. Those who promote scare stories about fly tipping do not have the evidence on their side.
Tags: food miles, pay as you throw, reason