Looking back on the 1970s – you can’t help but see that there was a great deal of difference surrounding everyday habits. Some of which would cause an uproar if any of them were to be done today. The decade was a stark difference from our current world. While there were limitations on what people could or couldn’t do, the standards of health and safety that we know now did not exist. Many things that were once considered a staple in our culture have changed dramatically or no longer exist – and today it’s easier to see why some of our past actions seem absurd.
Here are 10 common habits from the 70’s that people would never do today.
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Using Leaded Gasoline
Back in the ’70s, leaded gasoline was the fuel of choice, and the vast majority of cars on the road burned this type of fuel. Very few people in the ’70s gave a second thought to the effects of lead on the environment and on human health. Leaded gasoline was cheap and readily available.
It was not until years later, and after numerous years of studies by scientists and health professionals, that the dangers of lead exposure – particularly for children – became clear. And so, a slow phase-out of the use of leaded gas started. Today, anyone who would suggest that we start pumping toxic, lead-filled gasoline into our cars would be laughed out of the room. It would be seen as completely ridiculous and unworkable.
Hitchhiking was a Common Practice
Back in the 1970s – hitchhiking used to be a common means of transport for anyone wanting to have an adventure or traveling on a budget. One would just stand on the shoulder of a road & put a thumb up in the air – hoping for a stranger in a car to stop & offer a free ride. It was an exciting and no one thought about getting in trouble when doing it.
Now the notion of hitchhiking seems unreal – and nobody would get into the car of a stranger. The increase of crimes and the growing importance attached to personal safety made hitchhiking too hazardous.
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Drinking and Driving
The dangers of alcohol-impaired driving & the social stigma attached to it wasn’t as strong in the 70s. It was very common – especially in the car culture of the ’70s – to go out for drinks and drive home. The DUI laws weren’t as strict and the penalties much milder than they are today.
With the new awareness of how dangerous driving under the influence really is and the increased severity of the penalties – driving after drinking is grossly irresponsible behavior.
Buying Milk in Glass Bottles
In the 1970s you could still have your milk delivered to your doorstep in glass bottles – daily – by a milkman. They would collect the empty bottles and return them for refilling. Single-use plastics were not as popular.
Today – most milk is purchased from the supermarket in plastic or cardboard cartons.
Ignoring Recycling
There was no recycling in the ’70s. People didn’t throw away less trash – They simply threw away everything without even thinking. All glass bottles, papers, food, toys were going directly into the garbage containers, and the landfills were getting bigger and bigger.
Nowadays, recycling is something most of us do every day & there is an increased awareness about the environment to not waste things. The ’70s throwaway culture would be seen as extremely wasteful and irresponsible today.
Casual Attitudes Toward Sun Exposure
In the ’70s – everyone wanted a tan and spent hours at the beach without much hesitation. Sunscreen was not widely used. Many used oils at that time — trying to achieve the perfect tan at the cost of a really bad sun burn.
At the time the risks of skin cancer were less known and people weren’t as concerned. Now – with a better understanding of skin cancers & how UV rays can damage your skin, the careless tan of the 70’s is considered a risky and foolish way to obtain a tan.
Unrestrained Use of Home Chemicals
Few people used household chemicals carefully or gave a second thought about potential risks of exposure posed by strong cleaning chemicals & aerosols. Ventilation did not have to be considered – protective gloves might have been considered, but probably were not used. Now we are much more careful & products come labeled with warnings & proper use instructions.
Everyone Touched Public Payphones
Back then, public telephones were standard items on all corners – even inside restaurants & public buildings. You had to remember the phone number or carry a list of numbers around in your pocket. People touched the phone all the time, even though they knew that hundreds, if not thousands, of strangers touched the phone every day.
Nowadays – the idea of a public payphone makes many people shiver. Our world is much more conscious of hygiene and convenience today.
Letting Kids Roam Freely
I’d say that children of the period were freer than they are today. Parents let their children play unsupervised. Children would go out to play all day long – they would go on walks anywhere in the neighborhood or ride their bikes even farther away. There was a strong sense of community & kids were generally safe.
These days parents are very watchful when it comes to their children. They don’t want them left alone. With a greater awareness of potential hazards – parents are less likely to give their children freedom to explore.
Driving Without Seatbelts
Most people didn’t wear seat belts in the 70s. Most cars didn’t even have belts in the back seats – In the cars that did have them, hardly anyone used them. Babies frequently sat up front on someone’s lap and kids stood up & moved around while the car was moving.
The belt thing just hadn’t become a safety issue. Nobody tried to make it an issue with laws or ad campaigns, until much later. Now it’s second nature to buckle up – the ’70s attitude now seems incredibly reckless.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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