$100 in your mailbox: use your green to go green
By the end of June, British Columbians will open their mailboxes to find a big, fat, $100 opportunity waiting for them—formally known as the Climate Action Dividend.
The cheques, issued by the Government of British Columbia, are intended to provide incentive for B.C. residents to choose a “lower-carbon lifestyle.” They are also meant to ease the discomfort of the new provincial carbon tax that comes into effect July 1. All carbon-based fuels will be taxed $10 per tonne of greenhouse gas generated, which works out to 2.4 cents/litre for gasoline at the pump—up another 7.35 cents by 2012—and 2.8 cents/litre for home fuels.
While some may be tempted to use the money to fill up their tanks, others are considering the most effective way to invest in the environment. The Tyee, an alternative online news magazine, recently polled its readers and found that British Columbians have great interest in pooling their resources to make a larger, collective impact.
Need ideas? The Tyee—working with the Western Canada Wilderness Committee, Voters Taking Action on Climate Change, the David Suzuki Foundation, and the Pembina Institute—has launched an informative website: www.greenyourcampbellcash.ca. The site showcases climate-action projects throughout the province, all willing to put your money to good use.
Now that I have a few good options for my $100 cheque, only one question remains: what will the Carbon Tax Dividend Fairy look like? Anita thinks she’ll definitely be green. I picture a winged sprite with pointy shoes and Carole Taylor’s smile.