Wear shorts, be green

In an effort to conserve electricity (since because of the nuclear crisis, they’re going to be short when the summer gets into full swing), the Japanese government is encouraging workers to wear shorts:

Japan’s government wants the country’s office workers to shed their suits in an attempt to use less energy on air conditioning systems this summer.

The government’s “Super Cool Biz” campaign encourages workers to wear outfits appropriate for the office yet cool enough to endure the summer heat.

Polo shirts and trainers are allowed, while jeans and sandals are also acceptable under certain circumstances.

….

The Environment Ministry’s dress code suggests that men may consider wearing a pair of tight pedal pushers* or carry a fan with them.

The campaign (albeit with a really corny name—c’mon: “Super Cool Biz”? Really?) is picking up acceptance, and even involvement:

In 2005, less than a third of 2,000 poll respondents said that Cool Biz had been implemented in their workplace. In 2007, the figure had risen to 47%, and in 2009 it had reached 57%.

I, for one, volunteer to wear shorts to work to save the environment. Every little bit helps, right?

* For those not up-to-date on their Anglo lingo, “pedal pushers” are long shorts, or capri pants for men. I think Americans could do better, because whoever thought those were a good idea should be fired. I suggest jorts.

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