About energy efficiency and conservation.  They are years ahead of us.  Why? Some reasons might include:

• Higher fuel and energy prices
• Cultural differences, attitudes, and perspectives
• Deeper green initiatives

Years ago, I spent considerable time in both Europe (months) and Scandinavia (weeks), my personal observations in the mid-eighties and early nineties of Europe (and Scandinavia) left a long lasting impression on me-- they included:

• Smaller, more fuel efficient cars
• Efficient heating, windows, etc. in smaller homes
• Smaller more efficient appliances
• More developed public transportation

I felt the differences were stark (coming from the American suburbs):

• Americans like big things and spaces (it's a cultural thing)
• We used to enjoy lower fuel and energy prices
• Resources are more plentiful here and it has created a false sense of security or even apathy

Since my time abroad, I have always continued to read articles and followed news related to these observations.  I have always felt we could learn from the European approach . . .

The lessons I feel we can learn from our neighbors across the pond are:

• Be very conscious of fuel and energy consumption (we got a taste of this last summer)
• Act like our fuel and energy prices are double the price of what they really are these days (last summer, we lowered our driving)
• Think right-sized living spaces (fewer McMansions)
• Drive smaller, or at least more efficient cars (you don't see SUVs like you do here . . .)
• Make public transportation more accessible and attractive (this is a big one!)

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