This entry is all about the little things that I have noticed in Germany that save energy and just make sense for a cleaner world.
1.) Toilets. Strange, right? Not only do they flush in the opposite direction, but there are also two different flush handles that use different quantities of water. One for little problems, one for big ones.
2.)Bikes. It is so easy to get around on a bike in Germany, and most people do here when it isn´t raining. There is a special lane on the road for bikers, and they must follow all driving rules just like automobil drivers or they will get a ticket. (I am not kidding. I almost got one for riding in a pedestrian only area.) I see business people in suits and nice shoes as well as little kindergarteners riding their bikes everymorning. During the day, the city sidewalks are a sea of bicycles. I have never seen so many before.
3.) Public transportation. Germany I think has one of the best public transportation systems anywhere in the world. There are so many ways to get around without a car. The bus, the street car, the subway, the ICE train, the regular train, shuttle buses, cheap airlines and the list goes on. My question is: What happened to all the trains in America? Why doesn´t the government invest more money into providing more ways to get around?
4.) Separating trash. A very simple thing do that saves an increible amount of trash from going to the wasteland. In all public areas, the trash cans look like the one in this picture. Even at home, most Germans separate everything. There is even a `Biomüll´truck that comes around to pick up all organic waste (ie. vegetable peels, yard clippings, branches, coffee grounds, old leftovers, etc) which is then made into rich soil to fertilize the farm fields.
5.) Frequent food shopping. The Germans are very concerned about their food being fresh. They go grocery shopping about every couple of days to buy fresh cheese, bread, meat, fruits and vegetables. Everyone always remembers to bring their reusable bags because plastic grocery bags cost extra! What a great idea...maybe we should try that.
6.) Unplugging unused electronics. Although you may not know it, but even though an electrical appliance may not be on, if it is plugged in, it is still using energy.
7.) Smaller cars, smaller everything. Does this need an explanation?
8.)Sparing water. Water is a very expensive resource for the Germans, so they are very careful to take short showers and save water whenever possible. A lot of people collect rain water (which there is plenty of here) to water plants, etc.
9.) Hanging laundry out to dry. No energy-hogging dryer. ´nuff said.
10.) Using natural light. In my old high school in Rhode Island, there was a large, beautiful, naturally-lit hallway, but the florecent lights were always on anyway. It really bothered me. Here, if a room is lit by the sun, you don´t turn the lights on. It just makes sense.
I am sure I am forgetting many things that I have noticed here, but I think I got the major ones. I know many Americans are now trying to live a greener lifestyle, but I am really hoping that you all take into consideration the things that I have posted here. America is only a small part of the world population, but we generate 1/4 of the world´s trash. All I ask is that everyone be a little more conscious of the things that they consume and try to reduce it. Every little bit will lighten the burden on the environment and as well as leave you with a little extra cash at the end of the month.
