My sense of awareness is heightened when I travel Europe, observing simple differences in my surroundings, from street signs to door mountings. I traveled Europe for business in March 2013, and captured some subtleties of my surroundings:
1. Easily removable labels with no adhesive (Basel)
This yogurt container is contoured so paper/cardboard labels can be snugly wrapped around the container without adhesive, and avoid slipping off. It is perforated for easy removal. Effect: Reduces material use (glue) and makes them easier to recycle or reuse. Win: financial, convenience, and sustainability.
This juice bottle's label is similar to the above yogurt label, plus it doubles as a safety seal! While this replaces the extra material required for a separate seal, it also means that once the consumer opens the bottle, all branding and nutrition information is lost from the bottle. Instead, they might print the bar code around the top of the label and perforate just below it, so that the seal and bar code can be removed after purchase, while the label remains.
2. Built-in bike lock (Copenhagen)
These bike locks were mounted over the rear wheel of many people’s bicycles in Copenhagen. To immobilize the bike and protect the wheel from theft, they simply insert a key and twist. Beyond this, I envision a bike locking system with these locks on both wheels. Add to that a chain or U-lock built into the frame that can be tossed around a nearby post. Then, twist a key located centrally in the frame of the bike, and it tightens all three locks.
3. Stone-paved walkways (Copenhagen)
I always enjoy beautiful, stone-paved paths. Notice the gentle groove crossing the sidewalk, just enough to guide water to the street. Also, notice the raised bike lane between the street and sidewalk. Finally: I think the smooth concrete could be for strollers... and maybe also to keep costs down?
I’m guessing the grooves are to guide blind people’s canes.
I love the footprints leading to the trash (recycling?) bin. I guess they’re meant to encourage people to toss trash in the bin rather than littering.
4. Door mountings
Why are American doors flush to their frame while western European doors are larger than their frame? I didn't capture a picture of this, but I've wondered it for years.