It's bad enough when overly-ambitious municipalities get in the business of spending your money to tell you all of the things you should have learned from your mother. ("Turn off the light when you leave the room! Do you think we have stock in the electric company?")
In England, the nannies control the federal government.
The "Climate Change Minister" just put out a nag list to tell you how to be a better Briton.
Here are the recommendations:
"Take a quick shower rather than a long bath."
... Of course, a long bath is presumably better than a long shower, right? So if you're going to spend a lot of time in the bathroom, we'd probably rather have you soaking. More clarity, please.
"Don't waste food: Plan menus ahead, make shopping lists and use leftovers wisely."
... Clean your plate? But... but... what about the "obesity epidemic"? And does anyone find it kind of annoying that the government is now telling people to "make shopping lists"? What's next: "Don't play golf in a thunderstorm"?
"Save on car fuel bills by chaning up a gear a little earlier and keeping your tyres correctly inflated."
... You mean you're still driving a car? Shame on you.
"Don't use the tumble dryer in good weather - hang out your clothes instead."
... Unless, of course, your neighborhood has a nuisance ordinance against clotheslines.
"Turn the thermostat down by one degree Celsius."
... And if you live in California, the government will do it for you. ("Celsius" is some sort of degree of temperature that foreigners use. Substitute "Fahrenheit" and it makes sense.)
"Boil less water when making a cup of tea."
... Really? We're going to save the world by boiling less water per cup? What's next: "Use fewer candles on your child's birthday cake"? ("Tea" is some sort of hot beverage that foreigners drink. Substitute "coffee" and it makes sense.)
"Use energy efficient light bulbs."
