England’s “Green Prince” has some royally good ideas for reducing carbon emissions

Prince Charles has a myriad of reasons why he is known as the “Green Prince” — from asking his staff to ride bikes to work — to researching a “Royal train” that conserves more than the Royal helicopter. Plans are even in the works for an apprentice-like series about his quest to find an organic gardener. However, his newest idea pushes him up another tier on the eco-friendly ladder (Which would make him what, the Green King?)

Prince Charles proposes that if a can of soup lists the amount of calories on its label, why shouldn’t it also list the environmental costs of getting to markets? If a product is flown halfway around the world to get to its consumers, it causes many more carbon emissions than if it were driven there from a factory down the road. The idea behind this is not only that customers will make green choices, but also that companies can compete for the lowest carbon emissions, and that local businesses can be given better market value.

Moreover, Charles has been making advancements in his own company, “Duchy Originals”. This company started to sell biscuits made with organically grown wheat and oats, and as of today, has grown into a multi-million dollar industry with all profits going to charities (which, Charles says, sustains a “virtuous circle”). The difference between his company and other companies is that his buys their raw ingredients from small farmers who use organic growing methods, instead of the mega-farms, that Charles detests.

Overall, the “Green Prince” has lived up to his nickname, and shown, once again, that England is at the forefront of green.