Monday, May 14, 2012

Green Spain

An aspect that struck me while in Spain was the concern for the environment and cleanliness. Cities and towns in Spain are not spotlessly clean as say, Singapore. You do see the place littered with cigarette butts and lots of them too. However, what struck me was the increasing adoption of a "green" lifestyle by Spanish citizens.

Most cities/ towns have garbage segregation and it is not uncommon to see waste bins clearly marked for the type of garbage. Here's one for paper.
And, one for bottles of vinegar!
Dustbins are very cheerful and friendly.
 And, sometimes dark and mysterious, wanting to make you throw your trash in them.
Bicycling is a way of life and there are many ways to support cycling. You have the famous French style "Pay and use cycles".
 With well marked bicycle lanes/ tracks.
 Besides, many models of cycles to meet each one's needs.
There are specific slots where bicycles can be locked while you go shopping or step into a restaurant. Buses and trains have specific carriers for bicycles allowing people to travel long distances too.
You can still see Don Quixote type of windmills when driving in the countryside!
  And, the newer models too!
 I was amazed by the number of solar farms as we drove through the countryside.
If you consider public transportation, trams are still in vogue and used by a large number of people.
The Metro meanders through most parts of the major cities and the well networked amenity is heavily utilised.
 Walking is a major means of getting from one place to another with beautifully laid out pedestrian areas and paths making it a pleasure.