Today marks the end of this year's CoolBiz, an annual government-sponsored campaign to try and address global warming by encouraging companies to not use their air conditioners so much in the summer months. In return for this, employees are allowed to go to work without wearing ties, and with the top button of their shirts undone - something that would normally be frowned upon, but as everyone is doing it, it's OK.
On my commute to work this morning I noticed a lot more ties than yesterday - but there were a significant number of rebels (myself included) - I estimate up to 50% of salarymen were boldly refusing to button up.
Over the next few days we'll see a steady decrease in that number, and by next week, there may not be a tieless-neck in sight!
Thankfully there are quite a few rebels in the company I work for, so for now, I can get away with not conforming.
Are there any other countries that have an official 'CoolBiz'-type campaign?
Joseph
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