We have very strict environmental laws when it comes to the land and sea, but the air....it depends on who you know. I bet that the people who run trucking companies here all have good friends in high political positions because they get away with polluting the air with black emissions from there trucks which can be reduced if the trucks were maintained properly.
It all depends on how you get your water. Where I work, we have an expensive R/O plant and we produce our own water. The electricity is very expensive. As for residences....everyone uses a cistern to collect rain water. If it doesn't rain much...which is normal during the winter months...we have to have water delivered and put in the cistern...a truckload of 5,000 gallons costs around $300 US.
Wow ! What a list ! The water thing....you would be amazed. On this island, all water is made by reverse osmosis...water from the sea that is purified into potable water. This is expensive, thus, expensive water. I learned quickly after moving here how precious water is. When I go visit people in other places I am amazed at how much water is taken for granted . Thanks for the input inkognito.
RE: Easy question...
And just how did you find out about this ?