This is just what they drive out here: the earth doesn't matter if you look cool

Global warming, pah! If you have a cool car what does it matter if the earth gets a few degrees hotter?

The other thing I have noticed about the States is the coffee cups: even if you are sitting down in the cafe, a paper cup is handed over. You simply chug your coffee - and chuck your cup. Easy. 

I know the UK is certainly not an example of how to be eco-conscious, but I've found adapting to the chug and chuck approach pretty unsettling. Of course, there are a load of scheme for bringing your cups back to the store, but that means you are tied to one (typically large) chain of coffee stores. And that brings about it's own issues.