European Energy Savings Observations

Every few days I read an article about broad energy/environmental initiatives which are planned in the U.S. ranging from greater fuel standards to utilizing nuclear power.  These are important topics to be explored, but we shouldn't forgot about the "little things" which can be done as well.  As an example, I'd like to highlight a few consumer habits I noticed in Austria in specific while spending time there.  While some will argue it's hard to compare a nation of 8 million to one of 300 million (I wouldn't disagree) that's not an excuse for not enacting improvements.

-Supermarkets charge for shopping bags in order to encourage people to bring their own bags.  The fee is minor so if you forget your bag it's no big deal, but it does encourage behavior change.  Shopping bags create a lot of trash in landfills, don't bio-degrate for who knows how long and require petroleum to be produced. Mayor Bloomberg had brought up the topic for NYC, however, it was met with hostility by some as there was concern it would affect businesses.  Whole Foods at one point offered a discount if you brought your own bag.  I believe they changed their tactics towards selling and providing (if you spend enough) disposable bags.

-Many toilets have two flush strength options which can save a significant amount of water and money over the course of a year.

-Clothes dryers are not popular, largely because they consume a lot of energy.  

-I saw many more movement activated light sensors which are designed to save electricity.  Also, in some hotel rooms in Europe you need your room card key to activate the room's electricity.  More U.S. hotels have been experimenting and/or are considering this option, however, it becomes challenging as people don't want their rooms to become too hot if they A/C is automatically turned off.

-Air Conditioning is used far more sparsely.  In America, air-conditioning is everywhere.  What is even worse though is that the A/C is often turned on so high that it wastes a tremendous amount of energy. Furthermore many stores even leave their doors open to encourage shoppers - such a waste. 

-On the flip side - many areas, such as a train station, are not even heated.  While this may or may not be the result of the station being old, it is indicative of a greater effort to conserve energy.

-The difference between the size of cars of average is huge.  It's not too common to see the giant SUVs or Pick-up trucks you do here.  Even the basic family cars are smaller. 

-Manual car transmissions are the norm as they save gas. According to recent Consumer Reports test, they found that "a stick shift can improve gas mileage by a notable 2 to 5 mpg compared with automatic transmission."

-Superior mass transit system.  It's hard to make apples to apples comparisons, but nonetheless, there is more emphasis on mass transit.  In many parts of the U.S. mass transit is inadequate at best, encouraging people to rely on less efficient transportation.