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Straits Times, 28 Jul 05 Can 'Robin Hood' taxes help S'poreans go green? By Radha Basu WOULD Singaporeans be willing to submit to a 'Robin Hood' taxation system, in which those who use smaller cars or less electricity pay lower taxes than inconsiderate energy guzzlers? And would mandatory energy labelling help consumers make more environment-friendly choices when shopping for air-conditioners, refrigerators and washing machines? These are among the ideas floated by a 46-member committee reviewing Singapore's Green Plan 2012. The committee aired the interim recommendations of its three focus groups - on air, water and land - at a public forum at the Environment Building last night. The committee recommends the Government consider rewarding energy-conscious individuals by raising vehicle taxes for those who drive larger cars. It is also suggesting that rebates be given to families who lower their electricity bills. Other suggestions include introducing recycling bins in more housing estates and condominiums, reducing water consumption targets and even setting up hotlines in public loos for people to quickly complain if a toilet is found to be dirty. Many in the 200-strong audience expressed concern over Singapore's over-dependence on air-conditioning. 'Energy efficiency, particularly air-conditioning, was one big area we grappled with,' said Straits Times foreign editor Warren Fernandez, co-chair of the focus group on clean air and climate change. Reflecting this concern, the group has suggested mandatory labelling to indicate the energy efficiency of an appliance. The current scheme is voluntary. The group also suggested guidelines be drawn up on air-con use. 'We want to give people information on what is the right size of air-conditioners for a particular room,' said Mr Fernandez. Water conservation also generated energetic discussions. The committee is recommending that the target be lowered for water usage in individual households. The lack of recycling opportunities also struck a chord with the audience, with people such as business consultant Rosalind Tan bemoaning the lack of recycling facilities in condominiums. Waste company boss Loh Wai Kiew, who co-chairs the focus group on land, said that compared to places like London and Australia, Singapore was relatively new to recycling. 'But we're looking for individual champions to speak up for recycling,' she said, in response to Ms Tan's queries. links Ministry of Environment and Water Resources website and survey on views of the Singapore Green Plan 2012 Related articles on Singapore: general environmental issues Singapore: green energy renewable energy, energy saving: issues, efforts, discussions |
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