Communes are where it's at.

So...here is the real question of the day. Who decided American young people between the ages of 18-23 should move out of their parents' homes and forge their own way in life? Historically (and by historically I mean for the past few millenia), young adults have simply lived in their parents' homes until they started their own families. This is still the case in the majority of Latin and South America as well as other cultures around the globe. Sure, there is something to be said for having your own place. You get to make all of the decisions and you know who ate the last cookie in the cookie jar. BUT...think of all of the wasted energy.

As I write this, I am sitting on the couch in my new apartment that I will inhabit through August of this year. My apartment is approximately 750 square feet, with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room, walk-in closet, in-house laundry, and patio. Since I am in Texas, it is ungodly hot and I have the air conditioning on (though I set it at a reasonable 78 degrees Farenheit) in order to help my poor native Minnesotan body adjust to the unreasonable temperatures. The dishwasher is also running. It was only half full even though it has been 4 days since I last ran it. I had to run it because I am flying to Louisville, Kentucky tomorrow for a 7 day stay and I didn't want my dishes to mold up while I was gone. The point of these ramblings is this:

I am using approximately 1 bajillion kilowatts of energy to cool my new home and wash my dishes. The space I live in could easily accomodate at least one more person comfortably. If I could live with my parents (or at least some roommates like the commune of 5 adults in 1500 square feet I lived in a week ago), I could save approximately 1 bajillion kilowatts and still be happy, comfortable, and have plenty of space for any alone time I may need (though I rarely need it due to my extroverted nature).

Unnecessary waste is inherent in every facet of American culture.