In honor of St. Patrick’s Day let’s give kudos to Ireland for progressive environmental thinking. Perhaps the necessities brought by living on a small island have been the mother of invention and innovation. While the country still faces eco-challenges seen worldwide, they are making strides that could serve as an example here in the US.
Ireland has been charging a tax on shopping bags since 2002. Reduction in use was noted immediately. http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/31/europe/bags.php The idea is gaining traction across the US, though it likely will not become a national tax issue as it is in Ireland. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/us/24bags.html?_r=2&th&emc=th
For more information on how Ireland is going greener, and resources the country provides to small and medium-sized business, click on http://www.envirocentre.ie/.
It’s interesting, too, that a couple of U.S. cities noted for their Irish heritage — Chicago and Boston — are both leaders in establishing policies that encourage sustainable practices in many areas. For city and county leaders looking to compare notes on green practices, I highly recommend http://sustainablecitiescollective.com as a great place to touch base with colleagues.