Growing up in Oz, I have obviously had different rules drilled into me. It wasn’t CLOSE THE DOOR and it obviously wasn’t TURN OFF THE LIGHT. It was… wipe up those crumbs! Put that food away! And for God’s sake don’t leave a half-eaten sandwich in your school bag!

To this day I still carry a reflex that impels me to wipe all surfaces down after meals. To tidy any crumbs away, empty the compost bin, and make sure no sticky sauce bottles are left out. I mean, it’s a good habit to have. But in Austria, if you don’t do this…

NOTHING HAPPENS.

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