@pintohoo
Oz is the driest continent on the planet (or so it is said). Many still prefer to use plants familiar to them from elsewhere. There are areas where rainfall is very low and still some prefer roses to native plants that require very little water and many are beautiful and very hardy having adapted to the environment.
Many newly built homes are not only massive compared to what were built 50 odd years ago but also have multiple bathrooms. Not sure how much thought goes into water conservation if the following is any indication:
https://pure-electric.com.au/products/methven-kiri-satinjet-ultra-low-flow-showerhead
According to the above, most homes use shower heads that typically use 22 litres/min.
There are some available that use less than half - mine is water saving, though can't recall actual figures.
But it's the same with a lot of things. Power ratings for electrical appliances are available but still many opt for buying things that consume more power - then complain about power bills - the initial cost may be a little cheaper but over time the cost of energy makes the item more expensive and more strain on systems.
On attending a recent appointment on a rather warm day I queried the lady behind the desk whether it was cold inside or just me. She said it was cold - the air con was set at a way too low temp that made the room chilly and the power bill higher than it could be. Not many seem to either know and/or care.
I've done away with multiple kitchen 'you need' appliances and manage very well without - with the added benefit of having lower energy bills - despite not having solar and not intending to. Use my gas cooker only - it can boil water in a pot - no need for a jug. Even downsized my digital tv - current is a lot more energy efficient - perhaps one reason it's called 'smart' - maybe purchasers of such are also smart.
Personally, have a water saving showerhead, turn the tap down thus aiding in lower usage and have quick showers - years ago in New Zealand went for a shower in a caravan park - it was coin operated - one quick shower or else pay, pay, pay as the water simply switched off being time based. Also reuse water from washing to put on garden - it all helps on multiple fronts.
Less is more - not a bad way if one cares about the environment. As for the French, they seem to according to your post, at least on the water saving front.
As for other things like vehicles, keeping my older ICE vehicle as long as possible for me makes not only financial sense but an environmental one too - how, one may ask - well, there is now very little additional materials needed for it's upkeep - unlike a brand new car that needed all new materials from ground up and then some for upkeep. But of course, if I could forego a vehicle per se, it would even make more sense - on both fronts.
How long have u stayed/lived in France - do you like it or would you prefer somewhere like Oz?
