And still my footprint is one and a half times the amount of the 'average' footprint that would allow each man on earth his or her fair share. My point is, it is easier to conserve energy in Europe, or at least in Germany. My impression is that Americans give a damn about how much energy their huge fridges and other household appliances use, while fridges in Europe have to fulfil certain standards and get 'grades' for their energy consumption. Houses in California are not insulated although it would help to keep out the heat in summer and the cold in winter. American cars use way too much gas, and everybody is driving big cars.
Public transport is virtually non-existent outside the largest cities.
People use planes for distances that I would cover by train. So I think it would be a good idea to think about ways to conserve energy and about renewable energy sources - instead of sacrificing National Parks for being able to keep oil cheap. And once again Susan shares wonderful photos with us. This time it's the Aloe blooming at the Arboretum . Here is Groundhog.org , the official site of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.