kudos to the kiwis

While I love the USA and all, I have to admit that there are a few things that New Zealand has that we should consider adopting. Here are some of my observations....

1) Toilets that conserve water - On every toilet there is a "big button" and a "little button". The big button uses more water when it has a bigger job to flush. The little button uses less water when it has just a little job to flush. Simply press which button that completes the job best.

2) Roundabouts - they are everywhere! Not just in the city, not just on busy roads, but everywhere! The flow of traffic is so much more efficient. Roundabouts are easier on your brakes because you don't have to stop every time you come to an intersection and they save gas because you don't have to accelerate after stopping, you just keep a nice even speed. You can just zip around places that would take ages back home.

3) Marshmellows - they are full of flavor! Generally come in vanilla and raspberry and have some powder still on them. You have to try one to truly experience the difference.

4) Recycling and conserving goods/energy - Kiwis recycle just about everything. My host mom reuses plastic baggies like they were made of gold. Buying a 40 pack of water bottles for the week is unthinkable - just wash and reuse your bottles. Paper towels are luxury items. Instead of paper towels or sponges, we use thin cloth wipes that you can wash in the washing machine. No one uses their clothes dryers. Everyone hangs their wash on a line. And you know what, it works just as well! Amazing!

5) Quick goodbyes - When good friends or acquaintances need to leave or just sense that it is time to leave, they give a quick "See you!" and out the door they go! No overdrawn, 10 minute "oh we will definitely catch up soon, blah blah blah, let me know what happens after cricket, blah, so good to see you, blah blah, oh talk later, bye! Kisses!" No room for awkwardness or wasted time!

6) Compost bins - instead of sending fruit and veggies to the dump, families have their own compost bins in the backyard. So much space is saved in landfills because it decomposes naturally.

7) The price you see is the price you get - the prices listed on menus, in stores and supermarkets are the total price. You don't have to figure in tax or tip - it is already done for you. Even when at the bar - no tipping! And no squabbling when the check comes when you're with a group of people at dinner!!!

8) EFTPOS - It is basically a checking card from your bank that can be used almost everywhere. It just debits money from your account after you use a pin number. It does not have a credit card logo or anything, so you never have to worry about carrying multiple credit cards ie Visa, MC, Amex, etc.

9) Healthy eating - My host family knows how to eat right. Dinners consist of 70% vegetables, 25% meat, and 5% other, such as a tortilla or soup base or cheese. Portions are much smaller, and meals emphasize natural food products. I have never eaten so many fruits and vegetables in my life. And you know what? Everyone is a lot skinnier out here.

10) Healthcare system (this may get extremely touchy, but I am speaking on one incident that would have been a nightmare in the States) - My two year old nearly bit through his tongue when at the pool. Blood was gushing everywhere and he was screaming. His mom took him to a small emergency clinic, got care, antibiotics, and two doctor's opinions. We were there for less than an hour, hardly had to wait, and didn't have to fill out forms. I don't believe there was a charge. My host dad said anytime the boys or I had any type of accident just go immediately to one of these clinics and not worry about insurance or payment because of the healthcare system. Very good to know! Wish I could tell you more details... will look into it.

11) Savory muffins and baked goods in general - People here know how to bake. Not only are their homemade goods tasty and filling, but they are a lot healthier than pastries back home. Instead of flour and butter and sugar being the main ingredients, random tasty items are used. Example: Savory muffins - may contain anything from nuts to berries to bacon bits to chocolate bits to onions to oats (all in one muffin). They are full of flavor and contain hardly any sugar, butter, or things like that. Homemade muesli bars contain fresh berries, oats, chocolate bits, brown sugar (maybe), dried fruit, or whatever.

12) Another traffic efficiency tactic (T-streets) - I actually thought about this a lot in the States but didn't realize these intersections have already been implemented. When approaching an intersection, the through traffic is shielded and can keep moving straight while cars turning into the same direction can also keep moving. In other words, drivers don't have to stop just because other drivers are going the same way. Maybe I should create a diagram.....