Seeing this sign, I couldn’t help but ponder the sheer influence it must have on daily passers by. It is attached to a lone parking stall at the entrance to the mall in a parkade. It sends the subtle yet unmistakable message that hybrid drivers are encouraged. No information about why hybrid drivers get special treatment… But there must be a good reason if someone went to the trouble to put up a sign.
I wonder what else this could work for? If we used this concept for encouraging more sustainable food choices (less meat, ethically raised, organic, seasonal, local), what would this look like?
A special checkout for people only buying organic veggies?
Shorter hospital waits for people who accumulate some kind of “healthy food membership points?”
I’m being cheeky here, but really, if we are going to transform our food system, we need to start sending these clear, social norm inducing messages that eating for sustainability really is the right thing to do.
I’d love to hear your ideas (especially if they aren’t totally ridiculous like mine).
From my sphere to yours, here’s to earth on a platter.
HB
How about simply getting our workplaces to support Meatless Monday?
Great idea, thanks for sharing! Preparing veggie meals can be a barrier for those who are accustomed to designing dishes around meat. I’d also recommend creating a venue to share veggie recipes and converse about the topic so that people feel supported and part of something socially.