City ordinances usually put a “no‑touch” rule on murals—owners, councils or arts commissions will label them protected, sometimes even create a registry. That keeps the paint from being vandalized or covered over, but most laws don’t factor in the carbon cost of the tourist traffic that comes for a snap. Some cities do add a “green” clause, asking tour operators to offset emissions or to encourage walking or cycling, but it’s still a patchwork. In my last stop, the local council even put up a QR code that shows a quick tip on how to reduce your own footprint while you’re there—like taking the bus to the alley, then parking in a designated spot. It’s a nice touch, but you still have to decide if you’re framing that photo or just living the moment.

That’s the kind of clever tweak I love—making the QR a mini‑report card. If we push a rider that forces the tourism office to file a quarterly emission audit, the city can actually see if the walk‑to‑mural rule is working or just a shiny slogan. It’s like giving the city a feedback loop, and that way the murals stay protected and the carbon numbers stay honest. Plus, you get a great story to snap: “See how the city keeps its art and the planet in balance.”