Asahi On The Eco Points Program
Asahi: As part of the Aso administration's economic stimulus package, the government has introduced a program in which buyers of energy-saving household electronic appliances are given "eco-points" that can be exchanged for gift certificates or other goods.
Not quite the full monty? Well, why not include, say JAS marked, certified organic food in this clever little scheme. Ladies, you could all claim that you want organically certified cosmetics and hair care products to be covered, no? And why not, menstrual pads made of certified organic cotton? Has Prime Minister Taro Aso not heard of Fair Trade products from Third World countries? Why should Japan's tax payers support this proposal, that only gives benefits to people who buy new TVs and air conditioners??
Not quite the full monty? Well, why not include, say JAS marked, certified organic food in this clever little scheme. Ladies, you could all claim that you want organically certified cosmetics and hair care products to be covered, no? And why not, menstrual pads made of certified organic cotton? Has Prime Minister Taro Aso not heard of Fair Trade products from Third World countries? Why should Japan's tax payers support this proposal, that only gives benefits to people who buy new TVs and air conditioners??
While the program may be beneficial for consumers, the 295 billion yen necessary for this system is, in the end, a burden of 2,500 yen for each individual citizen. In addition, more government money will be necessary for administrative procedures to exchange the items for points and print huge numbers of catalogs.
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