GB, I would guess that our European neighbors would contend that we're the ones who are uptight about this, and a whole lot of other things too. In addition, I read a while back that Americans only go No.2 twice a week on average, hence supporting the claim that we are, as a nation, pretty tightly wound up. This could explain a whole lot, methinks.

Auric, I suppose the article conveniently omitted any reference to how the release of methane gas also contributes to the greenhouse effect. Given that those snooty Europeans are probably more frequent visitors to the porcelain stool, that should offset this haughty attitude on the matter, I would hope.