There is this idea in the American psyche, that to live a clean, “green” lifestyle, someone must live in the middle of nowhere. The cities below prove that this is not necessarily the case. While they may not have dense foliage, and they still have a long way to go towards full sustainability, these cities strive towards eco-friendliness.
A major positive effect on the environment and one’s well-being might result from relocating to an eco-friendly city. Today’s culture has developed a crucial concern for sustainability, and eco-friendly neighborhoods have appeared in response to the environmental issues we are currently facing. In these cities, green infrastructure and clean energy are prioritized. With access to clean water, fresh air, and green spaces, they also provide healthier living circumstances. People can promote a more sustainable future while leading healthier and more meaningful lives by establishing eco-friendly behaviors and living in an eco-friendly city.
These are the most eco-friendly cities in the US, however, keep in mind that this list is continuously changing. Even next year, the greenest US city is unlikely to be the same.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is famous for being a pioneer in environmental protection and preservation. San Francisco has established itself as a role model for other cities wanting to pursue green practices thanks to programs like zero waste, clean energy, and public transportation improvements. It has earned a reputation as one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the country, largely to its creative waste reduction initiatives and dedication to renewable energy sources.
This city embraced locally grown organic produce before the rest of the nation caught on. Every year, San Francisco composts 600 tons of scrap and strives for a goal of 100% recycling by the year 2020. Nearly half of the residents of San Francisco take public transit, walk, or bike each day. Over 17% of the city is devoted to parks and green space.
Even their Baseball stadium is solar-powered and offers “Green” garlic fries. Over a decade ago, the city approved $100 million dollars to go towards solar panels, wind turbines, and public facilities, meanwhile, they have also banned plastic bags and toys with questionable chemicals.
Portland, OR
Consider moving to Portland, Oregon, if you’re seeking a community with a strong commitment to sustainability and the environment. Portland is one of the most progressive and environmentally friendly cities in the country. In fact, it is the only American city with a majority of its public buildings being LEED-certified.
The city is the home of 288 parks, a total of 92,000 acres, and ¼ of the city is shaded by a tree canopy. They were the first city to create and enact a comprehensive plan to reduce CO2 emissions, which sits well with the cycling and DIY culture which is so present.
Portland has a comprehensive system of buses, light rails, and bike lanes to reduce automobile traffic. There are also 74 miles of hiking, running, and bike trails.
Savannah, GA
Despite the fact that Savannah, Georgia, might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of eco-friendliness, it has made great progress in recent years to become one of the top eco-friendly cities. Savannah has implemented a number of efforts to lessen its carbon footprint and save the environment, with a focus on sustainability and green living. The “Savannah Forward” campaign, which aspires to make Savannah a pioneer in sustainability through actions like waste reduction and escalating the usage of renewable energy sources, is one of the most notable programs.
Full of quaint, walkable, tree-lined squares which date back to 1733, there is a relaxed air. There are many horse-drawn carriages and pedicabs which run through Savannah’s historic districts.
This place ranks #1 in the country for parks. As an added bonus, this city also ranks high on the friendliness list, southern hospitality is abundant here. It also ranks on the list high for romance.
Denver, CO
The city has implemented a variety of programs to decrease its carbon footprint and promote eco-friendly habits, with a target of obtaining 100% renewable electricity by 2030. Denver also has a growing green economy with a sizable presence in sustainable farming, eco-building, and clean energy.
All over downtown, there are bike rental stations where a bike can be rented all day for $8. There is an ever-expanding system of light rails and buses that run all over the city. Denver is less than an hour away from 14,000 acres of mountain parks.
Within the city limits, there are 850 miles of bike trails and 29 recreation centers. There is a no pesticide policy in the parks and in three of the four seasons; there are farmers’ markets to buy fresh, natural fruits and vegetables. They are adept at managing water consumption and by 2025 strive to have planted one million trees. There are initiatives to run the city on 20% wind power by 2020.
San Jose, CA
Due to its comprehensive sustainability initiatives and commitment to green living, San Jose is regarded as one of the nation’s most eco-friendly municipalities. A considerable effort has been made to conserve the urban tree canopy as part of the city’s commitment to protecting its natural resources.
While it is not the best-known California city, it does deserve some recognition. There are already 25,000 jobs in green industries and it works hard to lure green companies. One of the biggest is Tesla Motors, which relocated there in 2009.
62 % of this city’s waste is diverted to recycling plants. They have a Green Vision plan to reduce energy use by 50% and to use 100% renewable energy sources within the next 15 years.
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis is a great option if you’re thinking of moving to a green city. With a focus on energy-efficient homes and structures, the city has placed rules in place to encourage green building practices. It also includes a vast network of parks and open areas that allow for outdoor leisure and encourages a connection to nature.
Home of the Red Stag Supper Club, the first US restaurant to be lit entirely by LED lights, this city hosts many other green restaurants.
Despite its cold winter temperatures, Minneapolis is home to 46 miles of city bike ways and 84 miles of off-street paths. This makes it one of the most bike-friendly cities in the nation.
Seattle, WA
Seattle, Washington is setting the bar with its dedication to become an eco-city as cities throughout the world grow more conscious of their environmental footprints. It has made a significant investment in renewable energy and plans to become carbon-neutral by 2050.
The city has put in place cutting-edge policies, including imposing emission regulations for diesel vehicles and offering incentives to buy electric cars. Also, Seattle is dedicated to making the city more energy-efficient by promoting the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, and by offering financial incentives to companies who renovate or construct new “green” buildings.
Recycling is not just a passion, it is a law for both businesses and households. Many local hotels go beyond by composting table scraps and offering free parking to hybrid drivers.
This city is known for its coffee, but many people don’t realize that presenting a refillable cup to your barista can get you a discount. One hotel got LEED certification for its automatic electricity shut-off.
These are just some of the cities that are striving to get past the congested, black cloud image that is so associated with cities. Places like Austin, TX, and Boston are becoming solar leaders. Oakland, CA is home to urban farms and Portland, ME offers many farms-to-table dining options.
In conclusion, relocating to one of these eco-friendly cities is a terrific idea and a great option to protect the earth. Green areas, energy efficiency, and healthier lives are all promoted in eco-friendly towns. This helps to save money, lessen emissions, and preserve biodiversity. If you want to make a positive impact on the environment, consider moving to an eco-friendly area.
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I have to say that the top green cities have to be the ones that ran by Amish people. Think about it; no electricity, no gasoline, no motorized products. It can’t get any greener than that.