I'm Feeling Greener Already

One of the main differences that I have noticed here has been the sacrifice of convenience to be more environmentally conscience. A few of note from in and around the apartment first:

- The gas stove does not have a pilot that is always lit. You have to push an ignitor button and then turn the gas on to light the flame (kind of like lighting a grill). Then you have to hold the button for about 5 seconds to keep it lit. Saves on gas.
- The toilets have a #1 and #2 flush. Obviously #1 is about half the water than a #2 flush. I can't seem to get Jason to do a #1 or a #2 flush!
- All of the outlets have a switch right next to them. So, if the outlet is not in use you have the switch off to save power. Takes some getting used to. When we first plugged things in we thought they didn't work. It took a minute to figure out there is a switch you have to do first.
- All of the light bulbs are these terrible flourescent (long-lasting) ones. We tend to keep the lights off and the blinds open as long as possible. It reminds me of the trip I took to London (with Erinn and Ashley). We went to visit some family members and sat in their living room talking. The sun started to go down and no one ever turned the lights on. We wound sitting in darkness! They didn't seem to mind though.
The list goes on but you get it.

If nothing else, I feel like I'm reducing my carbon footprint. In order for it to work all industries would have to make the change and I don't think the US would go for most of it!