Australian Conservation Foundation plans to add another 15 fisheries to its system by next Easter, by which time it anticipates growth in regional labelling of seafood products, in the same way Australian wines are distinguishable by the grape-growing region.
The idea is to take the guesswork out of choosing sustainable seafood. Assisting the ACF is the University of Technology, Sydney, which is coordinating the team of independent marine scientists responsible for setting the assessment criteria.
http://www.smh.com.au/national/red-and-yellow-and-pink-and-now-green-fish-to-fry-20100409-ryu1.html
Well-Being Australia chairman Mark Tronson says that this such a good idea that it could apply to a whole range of products to help the Australian consumer decide which to send their disposable income on.
Motor vehicles could be colour coded to show their proven fuel economy and emissions. The colour could be painted as a sash strip over its entire length; he suggests purple for the most efficient cars. Everyone driving past such a vehicle would instantly applaud such a purchase.
He imagines a British Racing Green sash for those motor vehicles with the quickest pick up speed, so other drivers can be warned to avoid an impending accident; and perhaps a bright red sash for those vehicles that have great safety records; and maybe yellow for those with the most up-to-date protection systems. Of course, a black sash would indicate a vehicle that's been in an accident needing more than $5,000 worth of repairs.
A similar colour coded system might apply to aircraft. A purple sash over its fuselage would infer it had enjoyed a perfect flying record and its maintenance was up to scratch; and then similar colours as for the cars. It just might be the ticket to smarten up some airlines; but one would hope never to have to board an aircraft with a black stripe!!
The highways and byways roads might also benefit by a colour coded system. More than two road deaths in a month on a specific section of road would have a sign with a black sash. A section of road that scored more than 10,000 vehicle speeding fines over a three month period would get a red sash.
And the courts could colour code parents whose children run amok and whose teenagers are out of control. They could have to wear a black sash. Magistrates and Judges too, who give too lenient a sentence, might have to wear a yellow sash.
But Mark Tronson is most interested in the idea for colour coding for churches. Those congregations that have a regular turnover of Ministers because the church itself is so difficult to manage, they get a black sash. A red sash might refer to a church which has an emphasis on Evangelism and the Cross of Christ. A green sash might refer to a congregation that embraces moderation in use of resources and conservation. The exact colours could be decided after community discussion.
"Where would it all end?" Asks Mark Tronson. "Would it take us towards a nanny state, or would it help the consumer to choose?"