The 3R?s of reduce, reuse and
recycle have been considered
to be a base of environmental
awareness and a way of
promoting ecological balance
through conscious behaviour
and choices. It is generally
accepted that these patterns
of behaviour and consumer
choices will lead to savings in
materials and energy which
will benefit the environment.
In this context it may be
enquired whether certain
economic instruments may
be considered to further
strengthen these behaviours
and choices. An example may
be to reduce the sales tax or
value added tax on goods
that are made by recycling
used materials, such as
paper, plastics, glass, metals.
Another example may be to
reduce sales tax or value
added tax on second-hand
goods, which may include
books, clothes, house-hold
gadgets, bicycles, cars and
automobiles, office
equipment, medical and
scientific equipment,
telecommunication
equipment, agricultural
equipment, industrial and
manufacturing equipment,
boats, ships, trains and trams,
aeroplanes, oil rigs, and so
forth.