I'm continuing to think about the difference in carbon footprints for people here vs. those who live in the U.S. Here are some of the reasons footprints are lighter here:
- Houses aren't heated, for obvious reasons.
- Very, very few people (only the rich) have air conditioning.
- Washing machines are rare; dryers are rarer; sunshine is available almost every day.
- Most people don't have computers, though everyone has a cell phone.
- Most people don't drive a car, instead taking the bus or piling on to a pickup truck.
- Most people have never been on an airplane.
And yes, I have the use of a car and a computer, and yes, I fly back to the U.S. a few times a year. It's hard to imagine doing without those comforts, but it's time to begin imagining how I and we might live differently, might leave lighter footprints.
Susan, I have a pre-Suchi-arrival question that is somewhat related to your general idea here: How easy is it to purchase a bicycle in town and (part ii) how easy is it to actually get around by bike? I miss my bike greatly and would also simply love to have one while I'm there, but I'm not sure of the feasibility of it. What's your read? (And, once more, I look forward to meeting you in the near future!)
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