5 Greenest Cities In The USA
Cities Going Green
There are no official EPA rankings to determine the "greenness" of U.S. cities, but many are clearly at the head of the pack. They are reducing their carbon footprints by exploring alternative energy sources, controlling air and water quality, encouraging recycling, and maintaining green space in urban areas. Taking steps to go green not only improves the quality of life for current and future residents, but it also makes and saves money for these cities, through the increased energy efficiency of retrofitted buildings and transportation fleets.
Also, since these cities tend to encourage shopping and eating locally, the local economies of these cities are well supported and more dollars tend to stay in circulation within city limits. Green cities also tend to create green jobs and attract green industry, one of the most quickly growing industries in the United States.
1. Portland, OR. This city by the sea has 200 miles of bike lanes within its limits, which is probably why it's so easy for a quarter of its residents to commute to work without using personal vehicles. Portland is halfway powered with renewable energy, and its local farmer markets thrive. People shop locally, and have one of the last large independent bookstores (Powell's) in the country to show for it.
2. San Francisco, CA. As the United States solar energy leader, San Francisco takes green living very seriously. The city plans to cut landfill waste by 75 per cent by the end of this year, and has made some real headway with that goal through the banning of free plastic grocery bags. Not content to simply reduce waste, San Franciscans are also encouraged to recycle. One particularly innovative concept: the city recycling facility employs an artist to think up works that promote recycling.
3. Boston, MA. Bostonians are thinking outside of the box when it comes to renewable energy. The city plans to build a power plant that would be capable of turning fifty thousand tons of yard waste (clippings of grass and leaves) into usable power and fertilizer. The inventive plan uses methane produced by anaerobic bacteria to power generators. Boston has integrated this power plan into a "Green by 2015" aspiration that also includes replacing taxis with hybrid vehicles, the use of solar panels, and the promotion of motor bikes as transportation.
4. Oakland, CA. Another ambitious city on the list, Oakland plans to get greener by 2020. Some of the city's goals include aiming for zero waste and oil independence. The latter goal is bolstered by the city's hydrogen powered public transportation system and its renewable energy use, which accounts for 17 per cent of overall energy consumption. Oakland is also a mecca for organic eaters and locavores, and can boost some of the cleanest drinking water found in the U.S.
5. Chicago, IL. Chicago takes going green literally: it has over two and a half million square feet of plant life supporting city roofs, including the city hall building, and the city has planted half a million new trees.
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