Hat's off to Scotland!

This is an encouraging sign that the message is starting to get out to governments that we need to stop farting around and start making some changes. Global warming isn't a matter of whether we believe it or not - it is a fact and we need to start changing our habits and behavour accordingly. And governments need to stop using green iniatives as election platforms and start making some changes.

This article also reminded me of a thought I had while in India. Claude and I were in Bombay taking the ferry over to Elephanta Island to see the Buddist caves. It was Dec 24th, making it a VERY busy day to do a day trip. Bombay is a popular place for vacationing for Indians and many of those of vacation had decided that Elephanta Island was the place to be. After waiting in line for about 45 minutes, we finally made it onto the ferry for the hour-long ride to the island. On shore there were many sellers of fried gram snacks and other assorted goodies. Once we were underway, our fellow passengers opened up their snacks and started digging in. The unfortunate part was that once people finished up their yummies, they threw their garbage into the water. And it wasn't just one or two, everyone did this. The state of the water around Bombay told the tale too. It was filthy from years and years of acting as the city's trash can.

This behaviour is standard in India - it is part of the culture to litter. It is really too bad, as it is a beautiful country. If the government were able to provide a bit of education and a system for disposal of garbage and a recycling program, I think a difference could be made. Although, I don't think the differnce would happen soon - it really is an ingrained part of the culture to just throw your trash in the street, on the ground or in the water.

Anyway, while we were on the boat enjoying the ride but wishing people would appreciate the natural beauty around then and not cause any more harm to it, I had this thought:
Al Gore needs to take his movie "An Inconvenient Truth", translate it to Hindi, add a few musical numbers (a la Bollywood) and distribute it all over India, providing free tickets to everyone.

So, my hat's off to the Scottish government!! I wish more countries around the world would follow suit.