Snow! Finally!
It’s been strange listening to Americans complaining about huge snowfalls while Helsinki, of all places, has had none. But finally we got a solid coating and it looks like it’s going to stick around this time!
Up until now, the temperatures have had little bursts of heat or cold, but mostly temperatures hovering around freezing. If you have lived in a northern climate, you know what this means. Melting and freezing, coating everything in a solid coating of ice. The sidewalks have been brutal. Aaron and I have been using the tank stroller for stability (thank you Emmaljunga) and seriously considering buying ice spikes for our shoes!
Winter road care is a lot different here. To put it simply, Wisconsin is a lot better at it. Maybe it’s because Wisconsin is car dependent, or maybe it’s the “I’m going to sue the city because I slipped!”attitude. The actual GOAL of snow care seems to be different.
Sidewalks and roads are plowed/brushed/shoveled, but not to the point of being perfectly clear. The tend to look a lot like our driveway used to when I would drive over the snow for 48 hours and then finally shovel if it didn't melt. There also is absolutely NO SALT. (Or cheese brine, for the Wisconsinites). The roads get sand. Which adds traction, but doesn't melt or prevent ice from forming.
The result is roads and sidewalks that look like this:
I think there are a few reasons there is such a large difference.
First, nobody in Europe has the litigious culture that America does. Nobody would sue the government after slipping on ice. People take responsibility for dressing correctly for the weather. Strollers are built to handle it (mostly), and older kids are pulled down the sidewalks in little sleds. We have one, even if Soren isn't quite old enough yet!
Second, cars are not the only reliable form of transport. Even if the roads are barely cleared, the metro is still running. The trams are still on time. Frankly, they weren't even affected. There was almost zero fuss about the snow. And it does wonders for my anxiety to not have to think about driving in the snow.
Last, Finland cares a lot more about environmental impact. It's a no brainer that sand is a lot better for the environment than salt. And clearing the roads to be perfectly clear takes a ridiculous amount of gas and electricity. The plow in Wisconsin often made multiple passes per snowstorm, and thats not even counting the snowblowers used on driveways.
This is something I plan on taking with me, to a certain extent. After all, you can get sued in the States if the mail man falls on your property!
The result is roads and sidewalks that look like this:
First, nobody in Europe has the litigious culture that America does. Nobody would sue the government after slipping on ice. People take responsibility for dressing correctly for the weather. Strollers are built to handle it (mostly), and older kids are pulled down the sidewalks in little sleds. We have one, even if Soren isn't quite old enough yet!
Second, cars are not the only reliable form of transport. Even if the roads are barely cleared, the metro is still running. The trams are still on time. Frankly, they weren't even affected. There was almost zero fuss about the snow. And it does wonders for my anxiety to not have to think about driving in the snow.
Last, Finland cares a lot more about environmental impact. It's a no brainer that sand is a lot better for the environment than salt. And clearing the roads to be perfectly clear takes a ridiculous amount of gas and electricity. The plow in Wisconsin often made multiple passes per snowstorm, and thats not even counting the snowblowers used on driveways.
This is something I plan on taking with me, to a certain extent. After all, you can get sued in the States if the mail man falls on your property!
Comments
Post a Comment