FOUR stores will promote environmentally-friendly products, with the backing of the Singapore Retailers Association and the National Environment Agency.

Carrefour, Isetan, NTUC FairPrice and Shop N Save will highlight products that carry the Singapore Green Label by using big signs pointing to them.

The Singapore Environment Council, which administers the label, hopes it will boost sales and in turn encourage other manufacturers to seek endorsement.

The label is already found on some stationery and household items.

CAR-SHARE SCHEME GAINING SUPPORT

A GREEN car-sharing scheme has quadrupled its membership from 50 to 200 in just one year.

The Honda Intelligent Community Vehicle System, renamed Honda Diraac yesterday, uses 30 petrol- and battery-powered Honda Civic Hybrid cars.

Members pick up and return the cars in designated lots in five carparks, such as at Wisma Atria and Raffles City.

They pay $25 a month, which can be redeemed in driving time. There is a time-based charge plus 30 cents per kilometre travelled.

NEW GUIDE TO SAVING FUEL

SPEEDING is not only dangerous, but it also makes your car use more fuel.

Using your car as a warehouse also eats up more fuel - since the engine has to carry a heavier load.

Such tips for greener driving are offered in a free 18-page Green Transport Guide from the Singapore Environment Council and the Government's National Energy Efficiency Committee.

Launched yesterday on Green Transport Day, the guide can also be downloaded from the council's website at www.sec.org.sg -- Sharmilpal Kaur