The last time I checked, I was very green. By green, I mean earth-friendly; mostly because of the rules and stuff I have to follow because I live in Japan.
My carbon footprint, according to this calculator, is small. My trips home and occasional travels are the only factors that show a significant increase in my score. Even in other tests, I usually answer positively, making me somewhat closer to being an eco-person. Here are some reasons I think I am friends with the environment:
- I recycle. If I don’t, I’ll get my trash back with a note asking me to do so and probably get a reputation as a non-recycling nuisance to the neighborhood.
- I walk and cycle. And I take the train. Since I have little choice, and no real need for an automobile, I get around by the healthiest possible way.
- I live in a floorspace less than 200 square meters. Property prices are quite high here, so even if I wanted a larger home, there’s just no real way. I don’t have a yard or garden, either. I’ve also learned how to effectively maximize space.
- I do “coolbiz”, which is to wear light, summer clothing. The Japanese government and a lot of Japanese companies have been adopting this program, where they do away with coats and neckties, so they can keep the air-conditioners at about 28 degrees Celsius the whole day.
- I carry my own water bottle, or my own thermal cup. Vending machine drinks are expensive if you buy more than a couple a day, so I take around my own bottle. I heard pet bottles aren’t recycled in Japan, so in a way, I’m really helping the ozone layer. I also bring my own chopsticks.
A lot of my green practices are sort of enforced by the society. It would be hard to do it by myself if I had to. I love the Earth and all but I have to applaud people who responsibly do their role to save the Earth. They are real heroes.
I am an earth lover too!!!
Great to hear that crazygina! Thanks for stopping by!
I really don’t like place that use air-conditionning. I’m the “open-windows and old-school fans” kind of guy.
It’s true that when your country force you to be “green” it’s easier … but try living in a “self-centered” society like Italy, confort first … future is not important. *grrrrr*
28 degrees Celsius? A typo? I get uncomfortable at 21-22C indoors and 24 is unbearably hot already. How on earth you manage to work in the environment of 28C?
Hi simaldeff!
Air-conditioning is good most of the time, but I agree, one can live without it. Also, for some reason, the air-conditioner just shoots your electric bill up so high here in Japan…
Living in Japan has made me pay more attention to environmental issues. I wish other countries would follow suit.
Hi aabram, thanks for visiting!
You read right, that is 28 degrees Celsius. It can get as hot as 38 outside, but the rules say 28 degrees is the limit. It’s not so bad, if you get used to it.
The humidity is also a big factor here. It’s not only hot, the humidity this time of year reaches 70% or over. It’s the real killer, in my opinion. There is no escaping it either, the shade is just as bad as being under the sun.
Even under heavy eat and humidity a air-conditioning can’t bit a electric fan.
The fan help your sweat evaporate even under near saturation humidity in the air, which helps you regulate your body temperature, air-conditioning do take out a little water out of the air … but just not enough.
28°C is not that high … really!
Very interesting! I didn’t know that, simaldeff. Thanks for the extra info, I hope it could be useful to other readers, too.
28 degrees is comfortable, I agree. If you pick the right clothes and stick to “hot weather” food, you won’t feel that hot. Japanese have always adapted their cuisine to the different seasons. This time of year, dishes with vinegar and power-giving food take center stage.
living in Japan seems to be a life changing experience in many ways
I find myself recycling more than ever since I have lived in Japan. I think I may have gone a little overboard by separating the plastic, paper, metal from PET, glass bottles, metal can. Maybe I have OCD. AT any rate, I don’t mind one bit. I wish the US would start being more active to eco.