On to Italy…

Bonjourno! I am now in Italy — Venice, to be more exact. And I feel my world-traveler status rising with each hectic day I experience. In fact, I feel as if I’ve seen enough to make a few general statements about the way that some European countries (namely France and Italy) are contributing to the environmental consciousness of the world.

The first “general” statement I will make is that food products here appear to be mostly locally grown or produced, rather than heavily imported. Part of that is because of the climate here, which allows for delicious, ripe fruits from just across the country, rather than from another nation. However, part of it may be that people here eat what is in season locally. It seems to me that in France and Italy, nectarines and apricots are everywhere (at the market, on my breakfast plate). And when I go to markets, a sign clearly identifies where the fruit came from — in France it came from France, in Italy, from Italy. Even here in Venice, the sparkling water is produced in Italy!

Another thing I’ve noticed is that cosmetics and toiletries are mostly compliant with the European Union directive. This means that these products don’t contain seriously dangerous chemicals, such as parabens — a specific type of preservative that is potentially carcinogenic, and also heavily used in many cosmetic and toiletry products in the states.

And finally, many items here, such as the toilet paper in my hotel, meet the requirements set by the EU Eco-Label. The toilet paper, for example, has “low water pollution,” “low greenhouse gas emissions,” and “low electricity use” from its production. And it’s not like a lot of the rough, papery stuff I’ve bought at home. In fact, it’s actually “extra soft!” Now that’s what I’m talking about!

Sami is one of Wend’s fabulous interns, and she’s currently backpacking in Europe, so we asked her to blog about her adventures and everything green she sees along the way.