There is no doubt that around the world various countries are trying to cut emissions and "go green." The United States has been making efforts to encourage recycling and inspires people to take public transportation instead of driving everywhere. These efforts have sparked a considerable amount of change in consumer markets. Products have been popping up with more eco-friendly characteristics, like water bottles that use less plastic and cleaning products that are natural to help save the environment. However, the United States still has an incredible carbon footprint, second only to china making up 18.11% of the annual pollution. This past week I went to London and was very surprised by the green efforts abroad! I had been under the impression that the United States had been leading the global reform for emission cuts but I found London was doing a much better job of involving the public in their efforts. The market for cars in London seems to be completely different than that of the United States. SUVs are extremely rare, and I could not find a pick up truck anywhere! Instead, the streets were clogged with tiny cars such as the fiat and the smart car. Taxi cabs proudly boasted of their newly improved cars that were more fuel efficient and many cars even had bumper stickers promoting the green efforts. Many more people rode bikes in the city and were equally accommodated for with bike paths and many rentable bikes on many corners. Television commercials also encouraged the public to be green, often showing commercials on how to be more green and explaining the many changes the country is making to cut emissions. 2012 is a big year for England! There is the summer Olympics this year, as well as the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrating 60 years on the throne. Such big events really seem to boost nationalism and the country is definitely capitalizing on this fervor to inspire those to help to save the environment of the country they love so much. Do you think the US has a strong campaign for the environment? Does European culture contribute more to the success of such campaigns? What do you think of the reform efforts?
A totally "Green" Car! the compact size is rare in the United States... Some of the brands are not even available in the US
A McDonnald's. They are promoting the use of local foods to help save the environment by helping the economy and needing less gas to ship the goods.
A typical car in England. I have never seen this brand before in the US! It is really interesting how these cars are marketed heavily in the UK but nowhere in the US!
Note the bumper sticker promoting "The Tube", London's underground public transportation system
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