But could we do it?

I don't generally spend a lot of time on politics. I do what I think is best for me, my family, the country, the planet - not necessarily in that order.

So I collect rainwater to use on my indoor plants. I am a vegetarian to decrease the cost to the planet in water, energy, etc. (you can sustain 16 people on a veggie diet to every one meat eater). I walk or ride a bike when I can, and if I have to drive, I'm combining multiple errands to do a big circuit in one trip. I don't drive my kids around to places they can walk, etc.

Even so, I'm using a lot more resources than, say, a European person.

Diana & I found out when our exchange student comes, we shouldn't be surprised if they only bathe 2x a week. And when they do, we can expect to hear the shower turn off & on, as they save water between getting wet, lathering up and rinsing off. Europeans don't worry about BO. It's a natural part of living and people are used to it. Their idea of being clean is different.

In contrast, we are very anti-septic with our hygiene. Even to the point that our own bodies rebel against us by making things that were only mild annoyances become major allergies now. Think of the looks you'd get, especially if you're a woman, if someone at work could actually smell your armpits!

We have a few places where it's okay to smell natural - but only if you are participating in sports, or maybe camping. The rest of the time, it's Offensive with a capital "O." If you're in an office and you reek, you'll probably have someone talk to you about it.

So, could we even conserve water as much as Europeans? Would we be willing to give up our Charmin for toilet paper that is pretty much the same stuff our schools use for paper towels? Do you see the disparity between our Earth Day celebrations and what the rest of the world is doing? How does turning toilet paper rolls into toys make up for our 20-minute showers?

I think it's great that Diana will be able to experience firsthand a different world view. I wish everyone could.