Friendly and Open Canadians
One of the first things I noticed upon arriving in Canada was the friendliness and openness of the people. Canadians are incredibly curious and welcoming, making it easy to strike up conversations with strangers. Whether we are at a hike, in a park, at a playground, doing yoga or swimming in a public pool, we find ourselves engaging with new people daily. This openness has allowed us to meet many interesting individuals, each with their own unique stories and cultural backgrounds.
Embracing Diversity in Ontario
What I miss in Sweden is diversity, 'spice' and pulse. Ontario has all that. Here, I feel free to embrace and express my identity as a colored girl from Sweden. My Malaysian roots become more pronounced, especially during the summer months when my skin turns a golden dark. It's heartwarming to be seen and accepted for who I am. People are often surprised when I tell them I'm from Sweden, since I look like I could be from pretty much any other country except Sweden.
The contrast with our home country is stark. Sweden's cultural concept of 'lagom,' which means 'just the right amount,' often translates into a societal pressure not to stand out or be different. I believe that many Swedes may not realize that their everyday approach can sometimes feel unwelcoming to those who are different. In Sweden, I often feel the need to defend myself and downplay my character to fit in. This can be quite stifling, especially when compared to the acceptance and encouragement I experience in Canada. I can't even imagine how it must feel for those who don't speak Swedish very well.
The Experience of Being Different
In Canada, my differences are not strange or exotic. Here I can be proud of my heritage and my unique blend of Swedish and Malaysian roots. This acceptance has allowed me to flourish and feel truly at home. I remember when I lived in California in my early twenties and for the first time met Asians who were proud of their heritage. In Sweden, the emphasis on conformity can sometimes make it challenging to embrace one's individuality. Growing up I ended up battling both Anorexia and Bulimia in the search for fitting in. The societal norm in Sweden often discourages standing out, which often makes me feel alienated. I think this breeds my constant desire to wander, I am a child of the earth and I don't fit within the definitions of borders.
Environmental Awareness: Why Canada is Behind Sweden
One area where I initially thought Canada excelled, but where I've been proven wrong, is environmental awareness. Compared to Sweden, Canada feels light years behind. I miss Sweden's high-end dumpsters, recycling bins, and city compost programs. In Sweden, households are charged based on the volume and frequency of their waste disposal, which means you pay extra if you overfill your trashcan. Additionally, if you prefer to manage your food scraps at home using methods like Bokashi or composting, you might need to inform or apply for an exemption from the city. This is because Swedish municipalities use collected food scraps to produce biogas, which powers our buses. This system contrasts with Canada, where buses commonly run on natural gas.
Biogas is a renewable energy source produced from the anaerobic digestion of organic matter,
such as food waste, making it more environmentally friendly. In contrast, natural gas is a fossil fuel extracted from underground, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions when burned.
Environmental Innovations: A Swedish Perspective
Another aspect of environmental awareness I miss is the widespread use of solar panels on private homes. In Sweden, despite being a northern country with fewer sun hours than Ontario, the benefits of installing solar panels have become strongly apparent in recent years. Homeowners receive financial incentives, such as subsidies and tax rebates, making the initial investment more affordable. Additionally, many households can sell excess electricity back to the grid, generating a return on their investment while contributing to a sustainable energy future.
Canada also falls short in reducing single-use plastics in cafes and restaurants. In Sweden, there's a strong focus on using reusable or biodegradable alternatives. In contrast, I often find that cafes and restaurants in Canada rely heavily on disposable plastic items, contributing significantly to environmental pollution. While I notice that almost everyone in Canada carries a reusable water bottle, it’s still common to see people buying bottled water. In Sweden, the emphasis on sustainability has greatly reduced the prevalence of single-use plastics, especially bottled water, with pretty much everyone relying on our clean tap water.
Plant-Based Eating in Canada
Surprisingly, I find that eating plant-based is more popular in Canada than in Sweden. The open-mindedness, availability, and diversity of plant-based options are impressive. Fast food stores, grocery stores, specialized restaurants, and shops all offer a wide variety of plant-based choices. The clientele includes people from all walks of life, suggesting that a more plant-based menu is becoming an accepted part of the future.
Public Transport: A Mixed Bag
Public transport in Canada is available and relatively accessible in terms of cost and routes within the cities. However, I get the sense that financial status often determines how people get around. The more well-off tend to drive everywhere in over-sized cars, while the homeless and those with less income rely on the bus, bicycle, or walk. This seems to be due to a combination of societal norms, income, and affordability, unless you have a racing bike. Those belong to the more well off.
When it comes to traveling between cities within Canada, public transport is embarrassingly expensive. Long-haul buses cost as much as trains and take about the same amount of time to reach their destinations. For travelers who try to avoid flying when possible, it is hard to argue with cheaper prices and less travel time. Personal priorities need to be based on strong convictions to choose the more environmentally friendly choice a little like paying extra for organic food.
Final Thoughts
Living in Canada has been an enlightening experience, highlighting the significant cultural differences between the two countries. In Canada, I feel seen and valued for my unique background, while in Sweden, the pressure to conform too often overshadows the beauty of individuality. Both cultures have their strengths, but my experience in Canada has brought me closer to my soul and the ability to celebrate me and the role-model I want to be for Luna.
Tip of the Day
Embrace sustainability in your daily life by starting small:
Encourage your family to pick up trash on hikes and when out in public spaces
bike and walk when traveling shorter distances
never leave a room without turning off the lights
try eating plant-based one time a week
take the bus and make it a family adventure By incorporating these simple yet effective habits, you can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle and reduce your carbon footprint. Every small action counts towards making a positive impact on our environment and our kids!
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