SKorea announces discounts scheme to fight global warming

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

SEOUL (AFP) — South Korea on Monday announced plans for a discount scheme to encourage citizens to buy more energy-efficient products.

Consumers who buy such products will receive carbon points that can be used to pay utilities, transport and other bills or to buy other appliances, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy said.

The "carbon cashbag" system will begin in October.

"It aims to spread the culture of reducing greenhouse gases and promote a shift in consuming patterns to energy-efficient and less carbon-emitting products," the ministry said in a statement.

It has selected 33 electronics goods, including refrigerators, television sets, washing machines and vacuum cleaners, for an initial list.

President Lee Myung-Bak this month unveiled a...