I'm really surprised to see how few people in Europe own a microwave. I can't imagine living without one. But what irritates me is that Europeans could afford buying these appliances, but they don't do it because of false economical and ecological reasons ( "this dishwasher uses to much energy, it's destroying our planet" ), thereby reducing the supply and and its diversity for the consumers who want to buy these things.
There is this saying that comprehends perfectly the difference between European and American consumers' behaviour: Europeans always ask "why should we?", Americans ask "why not?".
Of course they do! Just take a look at the energy and water consumption of European, especially German households. It's the reason why Europeans use less water and energy than Americans do.
And it's again hypocrisy. For example, we Germans like to save our money on household appliances only to spend it for big cars and the usual twice-a-year holiday trip to Spain, with an airplane, of course.
What I miss in this chart is air conditioning. What do you think how many American households got air conditioners? In Europe it's probably less than 5%. Recently I have read that in Geneva, Switzerland, the use of air conditioners is prohibited for private households because of environmental policy.
Some of the statistics on this chart are a bit out of date. The USA has 12.4 cell phones per 1000 people? Sounds like 1985. England has 3 cars per 100 people? Maybe in 1915!
Got excited when i saw that chart - until i saw that Australia wasn't on it... ahh well...
ReplyDeleteNice chart!
ReplyDeleteI'm really surprised to see how few people in Europe own a microwave. I can't imagine living without one. But what irritates me is that Europeans could afford buying these appliances, but they don't do it because of false economical and ecological reasons ( "this dishwasher uses to much energy, it's destroying our planet" ), thereby reducing the supply and and its diversity for the consumers who want to buy these things.
There is this saying that comprehends perfectly the difference between European and American consumers' behaviour: Europeans always ask "why should we?", Americans ask "why not?".
dtrum
Frank - Yes, once again I must admit partaking in the global plot to screw Australia ;P
ReplyDeleteDtrum - Do Europeans really avoid having appliances because they believe it destroys the planet?
Captain,
ReplyDeleteOf course they do! Just take a look at the energy and water consumption of European, especially German households. It's the reason why Europeans use less water and energy than Americans do.
And it's again hypocrisy. For example, we Germans like to save our money on household appliances only to spend it for big cars and the usual twice-a-year holiday trip to Spain, with an airplane, of course.
What I miss in this chart is air conditioning. What do you think how many American households got air conditioners? In Europe it's probably less than 5%. Recently I have read that in Geneva, Switzerland, the use of air conditioners is prohibited for private households because of environmental policy.
Captain, where did you get that chart? I'd like to know how dated it is. :)
ReplyDeleteTwelve percent of US households have a cell phone... that's got to be the early to mid 90s, right?
Some of the statistics on this chart are a bit out of date. The USA has 12.4 cell phones per 1000 people? Sounds like 1985. England has 3 cars per 100 people? Maybe in 1915!
ReplyDeleteYes, correct, I think 1998 was the report, but the data was 1996, maybe 1997.
ReplyDeleteI think Spain needs to invest in more vacuums.
ReplyDelete