The Conservation Band Wagon Exists, But NOT in America.

[hnooe]

I just returned from a 10 day road trip throughout middle/northern Spain: One thing I observed was how badly Americans, in contrast, are when it comes to "common sense" conservation and care for the environment, as in:

1. Smart Cars everywhere (many with little children on board).
2. Battery recycling bins at all hotel receptions area. Also found in the battery/film section of the Airport gift shops.
3. Dual Flush Tiolets ( Yes, just what you think, more water for "heavier" objects, less water (and thus saving) for a liquids only flush.
4. I was amazed how many wait staff and chefs thought because my traveling companion and I did not eat everything on our plates that we hated the food--no, we were just like a majority of other Americans who throw away about 30% of their food each year--valuable food that some countries are today rioting about, due to a lack of it!
5. All hotels I stayed at had automatic electrical shut offs, by using your key at a pad the door--sort of a whole room fuse box. When you left the room you had to pull your key out, and thus you automatically shut of all your room lights.
6. Hotel hall lights and gas station bathroom lights with shut off sensors--they only come on when they sensed motion, and therefore saved electricity.

...Why aren't Americans utilizing some of these ideas on a much broader scale as do the Spanish? Or better yet, why isn't American ingenuity inventing more?

[TooFarTampa]

I just got back from Italy and noticed all of the above -- especially the proliferation of Smart cars. Not an SUV in sight. I saw a handful of wagons for bigger families.

If a majority of Americans went over and saw it for themselves, we as a nation would be immediately and collectively embarrassed -- make that ASHAMED -- of our wasteful ways and our determination to hang on to our big cars. It was not just in the cities, either. On the 3.5 hour drive from Sorrento to Rome, all we saw on the freeways were tiny cars.

I "knew" all this ahead of time, but seeing it in person made a huge impression on me, along with all the other niceties you mention.

Also, I ate a ton (plus pastries and desserts) and walked everywhere and lost a pound. :biggrin:

[hnooe]

Also, I ate a ton (plus pastries and desserts) and walked everywhere and lost a pound. :biggrin:

ME TOO! --I lost 5 pounds--hhmmmm... I really need to now ride my bike to and from Grayton Gym instead of driving!

[Miss Kitty]

:welcome:back you two! I remember thinking the same thoughts last summer when we traveled over to Europe. Looking forward to some good trip reports.

[scooterbug44]

Kohler makes a 2 flush toilet and you can also buy Smart cars in the US. The technology and products are all easily available, just not in demand or heavy use.

Americans flagrantly waste because it is so inexpensive and socially acceptable to do so. :angry:

[InletBchDweller]

Welcome back guys!!!

[Goddessgal]

So true! I lived in Holland for several months. They are all about not wasting anything, and organized! We had separate neighborhood bins for green waste, paper, plastic, glass, and I walked everywhere or used public transportation. The timers and toilets are everywhere there too. The lifestyle really trains you to think like a real community member. Conspicuous consumption or waste is frowned upon and can actually affect you socially. As far as food goes, it is bad form to put any food on your plate that you are unsure of finishing. Overall, a culture shock!

I bet Spain was lovely! I am "green" with envy!

[30A Skunkape]

were they all packed in the clown cars on the way to see the bullfights? What do they do with all that beef, anyway?:wave:

http://www.dmbowers.com/prints/images/Vegeta-bull.jpg

[scooterbug44]

were they all packed in the clown cars on the way to see the bullfights? What do they do with all that beef, anyway?:wave:

They serve it in nearby restaurants - watch out for the 'oysters' because the bull doesn't always loose! ;-)

[30A Skunkape]

were they all packed in the clown cars on the way to see the bullfights? What do they do with all that beef, anyway?:wave:

http://www.dmbowers.com/prints/images/Vegeta-bull.jpg

A red chiclet on El moderatador.:roll:

[hnooe]

were they all packed in the clown cars on the way to see the bullfights? What do they do with all that beef, anyway?:wave:



Yea, they like their meat, especially their "jamon"...all of which does increase CO2's in the atmosphere....but I did not say Spain was perfect, they are just ahead of the curve with repect to, and respecting, the Environment!:wave:

[Mermaid]

Yea, they like their meat, especially their "jamon"...all of which does increase CO2's in the atmosphere....but I did not say Spain was perfect, they are just ahead of the curve with repect to, and respecting, the Environment!:wave:

It's not only Spain, it's all of Europe which is ahead of us in conservation. That Americans are huge wasters of the earth's resources is a well-known statistic.

There's a trend in colleges and universities all accross our country--I might even say a "push"--to send students abroad for at least a semester. Whereas a foreign semester was once seen as a frivolous vacation for rich kids, it is now viewed as almost necessary in today's global economy. It is a good thing for American students to see first-hand how the rest of the world lives, and how Americans fit into the scheme of things. If even only one in ten comes back from a semester with the same insights as you, the world is already a better place.

[jdarg]

It's not only Spain, it's all of Europe which is ahead of us in conservation. That Americans are huge wasters of the earth's resources is a well-known statistic.

There's a trend in colleges and universities all accross our country--I might even say a "push"--to send students abroad for at least a semester. Whereas a foreign semester was once seen as a frivolous vacation for rich kids, it is now viewed as almost necessary in today's global economy. It is a good thing for American students to see first-hand how the rest of the world lives, and how Americans fit into the scheme of things. If even only one in ten comes back from a semester with the same insights as you, the world is already a better place.

Sadly, the kids that really need to go and gain some perspective are the ones that won't be going.

[NotDeadYet]

Most of those energy saving measures exist in Australia and New Zealand also, and have for years. That is where I first saw that gadget that turns out the lights with your key as you are leaving. It was a mystery to me at first, I can tell you. Also noticed there is much less snacking between meals, and a lot more walking. I lost weight too, and I ate a lot of grayt food.

[30A Skunkape]

Is this sterile enough for you, savvytangerine?:roll:

[Andy A.]

Kohler makes a 2 flush toilet and you can also buy Smart cars in the US. The technology and products are all easily available, just not in demand or heavy use.

Americans flagrantly waste because it is so inexpensive and socially acceptable to do so. :angry:
Couldn't agree more!

[cp]

Isn't alot of the stuff listed here stuff you learned to do when growing up?
1. turn light out if you leave a room
2.walk or ride a bike if you can,when buying a car look at the gas mileage
3.don't waste food, don't put more on your plate than you can eat.Eat leftovers for lunch etc
4 don't flush if only liquids every time (this works lots better if your the only one using that bathroom)
5 hang what you can out on the clothesline!
6 Eat out of your garden or stuff you've put up in the freezer or canned from your garden or a local fruitstand!
This is just stuff everybody I knew did growing up. Looks like we're coming full circle to me.:wave:

[30A Skunkape]

Isn't alot of the stuff listed here stuff you learned to do when growing up?
1. turn light out if you leave a room
2.walk or ride a bike if you can,when buying a car look at the gas mileage
3.don't waste food, don't put more on your plate than you can eat.Eat leftovers for lunch etc
4 don't flush if only liquids every time (this works lots better if your the only one using that bathroom)
5 hang what you can out on the clothesline!
6 Eat out of your garden or stuff you've put up in the freezer or canned from your garden or a local fruitstand!
This is just stuff everybody I knew did growing up. Looks like we're coming full circle to me.:wave:

Looks like mom was right...again!:clap: