Ranting Eva is a twenty-something whose ever observant eye hopes to share the daily trials and tribulations of the 21st century, through some downright opinionated rambling on different facets of pop culture.« Digital Warfare v 2.0 : Merci beaucoup! | Main | Pro-Life or Pro-Choice? You decide! »
March 22, 2006
Hold on to your chopsticks!
On your next trip to China, think twice before throwing out those cute bamboo chopsticks. Chinese authorities are considering establishing a 5% chopstick tax in an effort to protect forests decimated for the production of the utensils and to equalize the rich and poor.
It is a creative solution, but according to the BBC article, the response is mixed. Some applaud the idea, while others think that this behavior will continue on.
Will this measure work to curb chopstick disposal? Has taxing cigarettes stopped smokers from lighting up? Granted they are different circumstances, but nonetheless affect habitual behaviors. Yes, cigarette taxes irk the smoker, but when they have a craving for nicotine, they dole out the cash begrudgingly to satisfy their urge.
Will the tax make people think twice about picking up chopsticks? In reality, it will probably take a while for any real effects to be seen, as it involves educating and modifying behaviors which have been followed for years.
Meanwhile, the Chinese government will benefit from this new form of revenue. Hopefully they will use it fund new initiatives to protect the very forests endangered by the rampant chopstick abuse. Or perhaps they can start recycling them, finding new and creative uses for them.
So next time you get some take out, grab onto those chopsticks!
Posted by eva on March 22, 2006 7:57 AM
