In the U.S., especially in states like Nebraska, getting by without a car is tough. We depend on personal transportation for every aspect of our lives outside our homes. In Europe, most people rely on public transportation, which is very low-cost, accessible and gets you where you need to be on time. This includes metros, buses, trams, e-bikes, etc. I get looked at like I am crazy when I admit that I use my car daily and rarely walk anywhere. The first time I’d ever used public transportation in my life was when I moved to Spain!
The third thing that I get asked about is drying machines. Yes, you read that right. Europeans have washing machines but no drying machines because they hang everything on a rack to dry! In the winter, the racks are inside the home; in the summer, they are hung outside on the balcony or roof. Europeans view drying machines as an increased electrical bill and an environmental cost. Countries here are very environmentally conscious, and that's something I appreciate. When I do my laundry in the U.S., I'll only air dry my clothes for these reasons.
Regarding taking care of the environment, the streets are cleaned every night of pollution and power-washed with soap and water! Cleanliness is of utmost importance, and Europeans care for the environment very seriously. In all my time in Europe, I have never seen a plastic straw. Every drink I have ever ordered comes with a paper straw. At first, feeling it between my teeth was very weird, but after a while, I am used to it and appreciate their efforts! However, the lids on those cups are still plastic, and not all cups are made from paper.
