Taxing products that we want people to buy less of is a blunt tool, but it works, and the revenue from the tax can be spent on other means of solving the underlying problem, like subsidising alternatives and launching education programs.
This week, I wrote about the need for taxes on products that are harmful to our environment and health, like coal and animal products, in the Independent Australia. This is just one of the ways we can reduce our public health burden and environmental issues, but it’s important to have the discussion.