Twenty thousand light bulbs were added to the Eiffel Tower to mark the new millennium, and because people like things that sparkle, the tower is lit every night for 10 minutes. However, Paris officials have decided to cut back and light the tower for just five minutes per night not because it is a particularly efficient thing to do, but because it looks efficient.

No, this isn’t a case of greenwashing. It is, to them, a statement saying that there isn’t a real reason to use up these resources, so we’re cutting back…as we all should do wherever we can.

By the same token, sustainability is practiced throughout the tourist destination, with tickets made of recycled paper, and the electricity comes from renewable sources. Paris is setting some seriously great examples, from air quality to cars to airports and more. The rest of the world might readily take note.

Via Telegraph; photo via Fabian w