In Spain and Europe in general, being green is really in right now. I quickly created a table to help Americans that don't even realize how different it is.
| In | Out |
| Turning off the lights | Turning on the heat |
| Walking | Driving |
| Bicycles | Deep wash cycles |
| Stairs | Elevators |
| Paying for plastic bags | Putting recyclables in trashbags |
| 1 minute showers | Shaving in the shower w H2O running |
| Unplugging chargers & appliances | Using appliances |
 |
| Supermercado |
Every time that I leave the room, I turn off the lights (and television) even if I am just going to the bathroom. To conserve water: I turn on the shower for 10 seconds to get wet, turn it off, rinse out shampoo for 20 seconds, turn it off, put conditioner in my hair and apply body wash, turn it on for another 20 seconds, and thats my shower! At the grocery store, customers have to pay for the cheap plastic bags. All of these habits/policies reduce waste and have enormous benefits for the individual and the environment. They simultaneously decrease utilities costs and carbon footprints, promoting a cleaner and healthier life.
I have embraced the environmentalist culture; as a result, I am much more conscious of my effect on the environment. I used to take 10 minute showers with the water running the entire time. Now I take 3 minute showers with the water running for only 1 minute. For such a "developed" country, I am surprised that the US has not embraced these policies to the same extent as Europe. A few governmental policies and Americans too could practice greener habits that promote a healthier population, leading to decreased healthcare costs. Unfortunately, our politicians are too busy fixing our financial problems to realize the incredible benefits. Although being green has not become popular yet, when I return to the states I will continue to wear my new green habits like they are the latest from Coco Chanel!
I have embraced the environmentalist culture; as a result, I am much more conscious of my effect on the environment. I used to take 10 minute showers with the water running the entire time. Now I take 3 minute showers with the water running for only 1 minute. For such a "developed" country, I am surprised that the US has not embraced these policies to the same extent as Europe. A few governmental policies and Americans too could practice greener habits that promote a healthier population, leading to decreased healthcare costs. Unfortunately, our politicians are too busy fixing our financial problems to realize the incredible benefits. Although being green has not become popular yet, when I return to the states I will continue to wear my new green habits like they are the latest from Coco Chanel!
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