People have asked us what has been the biggest cultural adjustment for us so far. Each time we're asked, we look at each other and then reply most emphatically, "The recycling!" Now, we know there are parts of the U.S. that put a big priority on recycling and the environment, but it would seem that this particular area of the world takes a peculiar interest in what happens with our garbage. Every time we turn to throw something away, we have to go through a mental process to determine which one or more of the six possible bins it could go in. It takes some extra effort, but in the end, we throw away maybe a tenth of the trash that we used to in the States. And we probably sleep better at night knowing we're helping make the planet "greener."Click on the above picture to see our interpretation of the system.
2 comments:
That's one of the things I love about Europe!
But you are right - it does get annoying. (We dealt with it while staying with my sis in Belgium for 2 weeks in June 2007.)
If you can get a hold of a January National Geographic Magazine, there is an interesting article about recycling. There is a chart that shows percentages of glass and paper recyled im many countries. Of course I immediately looked for Belgium and Germany. Belgium was way up there in percentage, Germany not far behind, and US was down relatively low. There was a lot more to the chart, but that's the gist.
love reading your blog!
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