theDIHEDRAL Kingdom

We all have wondered how much better the world would be if we ruled it. Somehow, every problem would be solved and the entire world would know peace. Perhaps this is a fantasy, but still, I’ve asked Carrot to propose some environmental policies that we’d enact if we were in power.

Carrot

When High-Clip proposed the idea that we come up with a few things we would change in terms of environmental impact if we were running the show, I immediately gravitated to that suggestion.  I’ve never wanted to rule the world, or a kingdom, or country, or city, or anything really, but if it meant helping the world in measurable positive ways, then sign me up!

Daniel Dennett once wrote “The planet has finally grown its own nervous system: us.”  I love the notion that we have emerged as earth neurons directing the future of the planet.  However, it would seem that this system is suffering from a type of autoimmune disease, much of which can be attributed to ignorance, greed, and laziness (IGL).  In other words, us earth neurons either don’t know, don’t care, or don’t want to try and solve the issues revolving around negative environmental impacts such as pollution, diminishing resources, and global warming.

That being said, if I were in charge, IGL is exactly what I would attack!  It’s no secret that many of my cues on education stem from Plato’s emphasis on education in The Republic.  And like Plato’s Republic, I would start and end with education reform.

Policy #1. Environmental Education.  If students at all levels are taught about environmental impacts, we can eliminate ignorance moving forward, and that is a tremendous place to start.  It’s much harder to do harm when we are aware of the harm we are doing.

Policy #2. Model Temperance.  As in The Republic, an emphasis on temperance among all citizens should be taught, encouraged, and rewarded.  This can happen in terms of kickbacks and tax breaks for those who actively reduce their carbon footprint.  This immediately helps those with limited resources and penalizes those with greater resources who fail to exhibit moderation.  You can buy five SUV’s if you want to, but that lack of temperance will cost you.  

Policy #3. EarthCorps.  Fashioned after groups like AmeriCorps, and The Peace Corps, EarthCorps would offer volunteers vast opportunities to participate in guiding the future health of the planet.  Things like debt relief, scholarships, travel, health insurance, fixed loans, etc.. could all be used to entice workers to help aid in the planet’s health.  

Policies like these can work to reduce the effects of IGL and offer continued health to our home!

High-Clip

I definitely support Carrot’s policies, and of course they would be enacted in my kingdom. I think our main issues are laziness, consumerism, and access so I would like to address these in my legislation.

Policy #1. Park Stamps. Like food stamps, people with lower incomes would get stamps to use at parks. People with park stamps can use them either for access to paid entrance parks, or they can use them to make a change in their local park (e.g., plant a tree). Once everyone gets the benefit of visiting and enjoying parks, more people will see the value in preservation, and perhaps we’ll hear more ideas about how to keep Earth healthier.

Policy #2. Tax Breaks. Everyone hates taxes. They will do anything to avoid paying taxes. In particular, they could do environmental work. Every planted tree, every environmental service hour, and every donation to a community garden would contribute tax breaks. Even if people won’t change their behavior, they can add new behaviors that benefit the environment.

Policy #3. Outlaw Sale of Single Use Plastic. There are times when single use plastics are “necessary,” but for household items, the sale would be illegal. For example, no more red solo cups, paper/plastic plates, plastic utensils, grocery bags, etc. People would need to plan ahead and use more reusable items. People will never “remember” to bring/use their reusable things until they are forced to, and with no access to single use plastics, they must learn new habits and create new norms.

What would you do to save the environment as ruler of the world?