Whenever we take action, our actions have consequences. Those consequences fall into three categories:
Intended,
Unintended Positive, and
Unintended Negative. Let me illustrate these with an example:
A small town anticipates the closing of its landfill by building a transfer station and hiring a private contractor to run the station. The transfer station runs fine but a member of the community notices that the transfer station operator is passing the cost of processing hazardous waste such as TVs, computer screens, (heavy metals) and air conditioners (Freon) on to the town. The station operator justifies these costs because these items require special handling.
A community member notices these fees but thinks they should be borne by the transfer station patron not by the town so he works diligently to pass an ordinance mandating that the transfer station operator charge the patron $35 to throw away an old TV, computer monitor, or air conditioner.
The action by our community member results in consequences in all three of our categories
Intended Consequences: Clearly, our hard working citizen wants to save the town some money. By getting the ordinance passed, the transfer station operator no longer passes the hazardous waste costs to the town. Instead, they charge the patron. Some patrons grudgingly or otherwise, pay the $35.
Positive Unintended Consequences: A number of suppliers (like Best Buy) will take away old machines at no charge. Once transfer station patrons learn of the fee, they decide to shop only those businesses who take back defunct equipment.
Negative Unintended Consequences: Some community members learn of the new regulation, and are disappointed, "$35 to throw out a broken TV? That's outrageous." These patrons react in a number of ways.
- Some store the old TV or AC in their garage in hopes of a "Free" hazardous waste day. This does not solve the problem it only delays it.
- Some take their waste to a friend or relative's town where no fee is charged. This transfers the problem from one community to another.
- Worst of all, some find a dark road late at night and dump their screen or air conditioner (in town or otherwise). This dumping ultimately damages the environment and passes the disposal cost back to the town responsible for cleaning up the dead appliance.
Delayed Reaction
In all cases, the unintended negative consequences follow long after the transfer station operator starts charging a fee. This means that our good citizen sees only the intended consequence of a reduction in town fees. He or she does not see the long-term cost of the disposal fee.
The Irony
A citizen with good intentions drives pollution. Perhaps this phenomenon is the source of the old adages,
Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it. or
The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
VisionIts been my experience that most of us are quite skilled at anticipating unintended negative consequences. All you have to do is remember to ask the question before taking an important action.
Mark
Smart Mass, Dumb Mass