On my ever regular internet searches I came across a new company that I would like to draw your attention to, they are Edina Cars (Edinburgh’s first carbon neutral taxi company). Although still in their infancy and using ‘standard’ vehicles they offset all their carbon emissions through renewable projects in Asia, while also adopting environmentally friendly operations – using bio-diesel in cars, paperless contract slips and recycling in the office to name but three. They are a certified carbon neutral company (link) and best of all there is no price premium for these benefits.
Although I would still maintain that using a taxi should only be a last resort; walking rather than using a car on a short trip (< 3 miles) reduces carbon emissions in the order of 2kg! But I am also a realist and recognise that some people will continue to use taxis. Infrequent usage of this taxi service is infinitely better than the purchase of a new car that is rarely used. Roughly 4 tonnes of carbon is released as a result of the manufacture of every new car.
Steven Kane, owner, tells me as more lower-emission vehicles become available the company will actively update its fleet, and I will look forward to seeing this occur.
So if anyone is in Edinburgh and must use a taxi, give these guys a shout. And let me know what you think of them.