Who's the greenest of them all? Ranking of US cities at MNN
Here at TRT we like to keep an eye on who's doing what in the world of sustainability. We think this list of top green cities in the US from one of our favorite green communities - Mother Nature Network – is a fascinating insight into how communities are transforming themselves to embrace sustainability and reduce their carbon footprint.
Cities were judged on air and water quality, efficient recycling and management of waste, percentage of LEED certified buildings, acres of land devoted to greenspace, use of renewable energy sources, and easy access to products and services that make a green life style choice easy.
Austin, Texas comes in at number ten. Austin aims to be carbon neutral by 2020 and with Austin Energy being the nation's largest provider of renewable energy this goal looks set to be achieved. At number nine is Chicago, with its historical focus on sustainability since 1909, when a pioneering planner named Daniel Hudson Burnham created a long term plan and a permanent green belt around the city.
Seattle comes in at number eight with 20 LEED-certified public buildings and incentives to encourage residents to install solar panels. Berkeley, California ranks seventh as a recognized leader in the incubation of clean technology for power including wind, solar, bio-fuels and hydro.
At number six is Cambridge, Massachusetts, which implemented a climate protection plan in 2002. Today almost all city vehicles are fuelled by biodiesel or electricity, and all new constructions must meet LEED standards. Number five, Eugene, Oregon, lives up to its image of natural green beauty by offering 30 miles of off street bike paths and 29 bike routes.
Oakland, California is at number four with the nation's cleanest tap water, hydrogen powered public transit and plans to have zero waste and oil-independence by 2020. Massachusetts scores again with Boston at number three with a green deadline set for 2015 complete with hybrid taxi cabs, solar panel and electric motorbikes.
The second greenest city is San Francisco; it boasts an impressive recycling program, which has an artist present to inspire individuals. It was also the first US city to ban plastic grocery bags which aims to reduce 75% of landfill waste by 2010.
But at number one is Portland, Oregon, which was voted the top green city for many reasons – including its claim as the most bike-able city in the US with more than 200 miles of bike lanes, and a focus on sustainable living with residents encouraged to take DIY classes in gardening, cheese making, beekeeping and chicken keeping.
Although it's not an exhaustive list, this is a great snapshot of how communities across America are working to protect the environment. Promoting good practices in this way is a great way to inspire individuals and community leaders.
