While FoE Malta has been pushing for eco-taxes for years, the system being contemplated does not reflect what an eco-tax system should be.

Green taxes should aim to encourage the purchase of environmentally-friendly products and discourage those products that damage the environment.

What government is proposing, on the other hand, seems to be aimed merely at revenue raising.

FoE Malta calls for proper eco-taxes that will increase the price – by the amount of the tax – of polluting products and encourage people to buy others that do not damage the environment.

The government should introduce fiscal measures that penalise one-way packaging but encourage two-way.

Air conditioners should be penalised with a higher rate because of the energy they consume, while the sale of solar

panels should be assisted.

If taxes are also to be raised on white goods such as fridges and ovens, they should be staggered so that white goods that least damage the environment carry no tax.

There should always be one type of product in a range that will be tax free, leaving the consumer the choice to choose the most environment friendly alternative, the group said.

The aim of eco-taxation is to influence consumers to make environment-friendly choices and this should be reflected in the government's proposal. Beyond that, revenue from eco-taxation should be directed towards funds that improve the environment and not seen merely as part of normal government revenue.

The government will do the biggest disservice to Green ideas if it persists in such folly.

FoE Malta agrees with the FOI and the GRTU that the tax must discriminate between different products.

FoE Malta is also extremely upset that civil society, including environmental NGOs, have been excluded from the discussion process related to eco-taxation.

The ministries concerned have shown a lack of sensitivity by not inviting

environmental NGOs to the discussion table.