What I Like About Eu(rope)
I feel the need to immediately add a disclaimer here: I have not been any place outside of Ireland as of now, so my European knowledge is quite limited. I know quite a few Europeans, however, and I do study international relations. Since I have visited Ireland, I have tried to match traits commonly associated with Europe to ones that I have noticed here. As an island off the mainland, Ireland adheres more to U.K. codes of conduct, but it is also distinctly European in nature. That being said, here is my list of what I like about Eu(rope), more specifically Ireland.
1.) No plastic bags. The the grocery store, you buy a reusable bag or bring your own. This is literally such an easy way to help out the environment. At home in the states, I have a ridiculous supply of unneeded plastic bags from the grocery store and still get new ones every time I shop. I have seen countless bags in ditches, rivers, and medians on highways. Until I came to Ireland and saw the impact such a simple change can have, I never thought twice about what a drag plastic is on our lives (double bagging now seems like the height of excess). The sheer wastefulness of the practice and lack of effort to change it in the states is disappointing.
2.) Public transportation. Trains, buses, and even taxis are game changers. The simplicity and affordability of public transportation is wonderful, not to mention it is also environmentally friendly. Going places without worrying over where to park or the stress of driving in the city or finding a ride with someone is not something I considered before visiting Europe, but now appreciate immensely.
3.) The "we" mentality. It is probably a side effect of our uber-capitalist lifestyle, but in the United States there is much more emphasis put on the individual in society. While I can understand personal responsibility, it is nice to be in a place where the majority of people want to move forward as a whole, not only as individuals. Where the U.S. is a dog-eat-dog society, this is more of a pack mentality. The increased concern for welfare, environmental issues, and reduced crime (especially gun violence) shows consideration for one's neighbor we do not often have in the states. Life centers around the individual in America, while in Europe there seems to be much more willingness to improve life for all of the given society.
4.) A more cultured populace. Almost everyone I met speaks English and another language, be it French or Gaelic or Italian. The Europeans also travel much more and therefore tend to see beyond their own surroundings when formulating opinions, something I will sorely miss when I get back to my small rural town. I sat by an Irish woman on my flight from London, and she could not believe I had never flown before. Very concerned, she asked me why I had not, and all I could say was that it was common for Americans to drive most places, and many never leave the country. To be fair, our nation is much bigger than the European nations are, but the mindset that comes from increased travel is certainly a shift.
5.) Tax is included. When there is a price on something, the tax is already figured in. If the bartender asks for 2 euros, you pay 2 euros, no tax fee you need to add on. This is one of those things we do in the U.S. that I almost think are designed to needlessly complicate simple tasks.
6.) Coins matter. This is a blessing and a curse. It is irritating to count, and some are worth next to nothing, but it is nice to see a coin worth a euro or two a piece at the bottom of your bag and be able to buy a coffee with money you probably forgot about if you are used to change being used for cupholders and donation boxes alone (as I was).
7.) Food is fresh. This may not be true of all of Europe, but in comparison to the United States, the food here is a health dream. It is just more fresh, there are fewer preservatives in everything. The meat is more tender, the milk is smoother, the chocolate is richer. It is these subtle differences that make me realize how much higher of a standard we need to hold for food in the states.
8.) Efficiency. It relates to many other items on this list, but it really is the perfect adjective to describe the standout feature of the European way of life. There seems to be so much emphasis put on doing things the quickest and easiest way- not out of laziness, but because it's the sensible thing to do. Logic reigns supreme here, and it makes the flow of everyday life much more seamless.