I just returned from a beautiful family vacation to Europe – specifically, spending most of our time in Austria, as well as visiting Paris and London and parts of Switzerland.
There are so many wonderful things about Europe – the sights, the people and all of the tastes and smells. As a person with interest and some professional history in the green space, I also was struck by the many ways in which Europeans display their interest in conservation of energy and natural resources, and other things green. In fact, when traveling by car down the open highways in these countries, one can’t help but take notice.
For example, in Austria, I saw many examples of windmill generation, like this one, while driving from Salzburg to Vienna.
Cows intermixing with windmills and solar arrays, in micro-grid scenarios– seems very natural and peaceful.
It was not uncommon to see the beautiful houses and chalets with solar power equipment on the roofs, as in the picture below:
Also, in many of the cities, such as Vienna, Austria’s capital, city trash cans included recycling bins. Some restaurants also did – in particular, the fabulous Pret a Manger chain in the UK. There, customers divide their trash into the appropriate bins.
And, in both large and small grocery stores, most customers bring their own recycling bags — otherwise they will be charged for plastic bags.
And, of course, perhaps the most noticeable evidence of interest in saving energy is in the myriad small cars that are ubiquitous throughout Europe. These cars are more nimble, easier to park and consume far less fuel than the average American car (and at nearly $7.00 per gallon in Europe, this is an economic necessity!). At the right is one of many examples of the kinds of cars that are the rule – not the exception.
Lastly, bicycles are used throughout Europe, reducing the carbon footprints that would otherwise be imposed by the use of more cars. In addition, it is common to see people in their sixties and seventies pedaling throughout the countryside and in cities, keeping themselves in amazing physical shape. This is a great example of how people stay fit and healthy, live longer lives, all the while saving precious resources.
I look forward to America getting in line with the Europeans in these green practices. It may seem that in many ways we rule the world, but we can definitely learn from our forebears.
Loading ...
