How do you get the inhabitants of towns and cities to go Green?

Well, there’s the stick – Thou Shalt Not (Or Thou Shalt Get Thy Wrists Slapped). Fines, penalties, negativity, education through fear. The problem with regulations is that they make consumers hyper-aware of the actions of those that do the regulating – and since no government is perfect, it’s asking for the word "hypocrite" to be bandied around.

What about encouraging people towards sustainable living by making it in their best interests to go there?

Here in the UK, it’s been a no-brainer for years now. Faced with ever-rising council tax bills and interest rates, consumers are reluctant to invest money in initially costly environmental improvements to their homes. As reported by TheMertonRule, a 2006 survey found that more than 80% of households would consider such improvements if it led to some kind of reduction in their council tax. We’re still waiting.

In the US, many local committees aren’t prepared to wait any longer.

In Parkland, Florida, energy-efficient inhabitants will get a cheque in the post. Homeowners in San Francisco will get $5,000 for choosing a local contractor to fit solar panels, and $150 to throw out their old appliances. Baltimore offers a $2,000 incentive to buy a home near to where you work, thus reducing vehicle emissions. Arizona lawn-owners are given cash to replace water-guzzling grass with artificial turf. The list goes on.

It’s official. Carrots are in.

Image: Renata e Guilherme