All right, after the no plastic change, I figure it’s time to turn it down a notch and do something simple. Unfortunately, this one may strictly apply to someone living in Toronto, but hey, I can’t always be universal.
Here’s the sitch: Some years ago, the TTC decided to replace all the transfer machines in their subway stations — the new machines not only look fancier, they also produce fancier transfers that are printed on glossy coloured paper (see above, right) as opposed to plain old recycled paper (above, left). On the plus side, they only print out a transfer when you press the button — unlike the old ones, which are produced in bulk quantities — but they still seem to use more energy.
Either way, the TTC only implemented this in the train stations, not on buses and streetcars, so when I go to work (my route is streetcar-train-bus to get there, then bus-train-streetcar to get back), I get the old-school transfer in the morning, and on the return journey can choose to either get the old version on the bus or the slick new version at the York Mills subway stop (either will work when I board the Queen streetcar).
Often, I get the new transfer at the station simply because I forget to pick an old one up from the bus driver. However, as of today, I’m going to make sure I use the old transfers whenever possible.
I know, not much, but it’s 5:30 p.m. and I’m running low here. Also, if anyone thinks I’m wrong here and that the transfer-on-demand system outweighs the environmental cost of using recycled paper but printing in bulk, feel free to call me on it and I’ll do the reverse.
Posted by gettinggreen
