Amsterdam

the Netherlands

	This is an "eco-village" right outside of Amsterdam. We traveled there by convenient tram, and were simply enchanted. There are plants everywhere, and some canals, plus handy recycle bins! You can see solar panels in the distance there, supplementing residents' energy use. You can also see the permeable ground: cement with holes in it so that rainwater can flow through and replenish the water table.
	We noticed that cars in Europe are definitely smaller than here in the States. This is the smallest car I've ever seen! We also saw small, fuel-efficient cars made by American companies (Ford, for example) that they don't market over here because they think they won't sell.
	We got to see an environmental design exhibition in the city and this is one of the prize products: a stylish rainwater collector. Rather than using treated water for everything from bathing to washing the car, rainwater can be used for things like watering the yard. Simply attach a hose and have some fun!
	This is in an area where mostly mentally-ill people live. It became quite run-down but now is getting fixed up with both the physical and mental environment in mind.