Eco Columbia

Below is a video contributed by Orion Pahl and Jeff Perlman, two documentary film majors at Columbia, for last month’s energy-themed contest. They’ll receive a $50 gift card to Rengade Handmade for their great work!

Writer Blair Mishleau is studying abroad in London this term. While there, he will be observing the differences across the pond in terms of sustainability and environmental action.

Blair Mishleau, reporting from London!

Different countries have different issues, from the type of weather they have to the way they obtain drinking water.

In terms of environmental action, London has strong and weak points compared to the states. Here’s a breakdown in the main differences.

+ Transport(ation) for London

With the oldest subway system in the world, Londoners are pretty down with taking public transportation, although they never add the –ation, it’s just transport. Their tube system goes far and wide, making it much more complex than the Chicago CTA.

Their system interconnects very well with the National Rail Service, as well. (This is the much nicer equivalent to Metra in Chicago.) You can use the same card you use on the tube on the National Rail, making transfers much quicker and less confusing.

They also have a massive fleet of famous double-decker buses, many of which are either hybrid, gas powered or efficient in some other way.

Add the lovely British lady who notifies you of stops, and you’re set!

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Katherine Fisher is a senior in the Graphic Design department who is minoring in Web Development. To see more of her work, you can visit her website.