05-21-2007, 07:18 PM
(This post was last modified: 05-21-2007, 07:21 PM by Swiss Mercenary.)
Quote:I get the impression that there is a lot of misinformation (or at least things that don't jive with my experiences in Seattle) floating around in this thread. Here are some of my thoughts regarding life in Seattle:
Energy Conservation
Someone brought up energy conservation activities earlier in this thread as something that people can do to help reduce emissions/energy use. However, he has assumed that those sorts of things are not being done in the US; that is a major misconception. Energy conservation is a big deal in the US. I know that for the past 15 or so years (and basically as long as I can remember) there have been publicity and/or public education drives trying to teach people all of the listed activities that can reduce energy use. People are turning off lights when they leave the room, taking shorter showers, using energy efficient lightbulbs (I have actually heard of laws dictating that they must be used in certain areas) and so on. This has been going on for a long, long time, and I think it really has made a difference throughout my region, at least.
And yet they are still building glass coffin skyscrapers in Florida, and then wondering why the air conditioning bill is through the roof.
Not to say that there isn't that kind of idiocy (Although of a different sort) in Europe, but it's my impression that buildings codes still have a long way to go, both here, and in the States.