This is a collaborative post.
Throughout the United States, city governments are taking a more serious look at green technology. In the wake of the current climate crisis, forward-thinking city leaders have been pushing to do whatever they can to stop global climate change and preserve our planet. Any Earth-lover wants to live in a place whose eco-profile lines up with their values, so let’s go through five of the best US cities for green living.
Los Angeles
For those looking to conserve, you don’t need to look any further than the beautiful city of Los Angeles. Given the city’s very progressive reputation, it may come as no surprise that Los Angeles has some of the most energy-efficient buildings in the United States. Los Angeles has the largest solar infrastructure of any city in the United States. It is expected that solar power will account for at least 10% of the city’s energy by 2020. The city protects most native trees within its bounds, preserving the areas natural history. LA leads the nation in recycling, and they have one of the oldest recycling programs in the United States.
New York City
Always on the cutting edge, New York City is at the forefront of the national green movement. Recently, the city passed 10 bills aimed at reducing emissions and improving the city’s air quality. The New York City government is trying to close the city’s fossil fuel power plants and replace them with renewable alternatives. With pressure from Governor Cuomo, the Williams Pipeline (a controversial conduit for natural gas) may lose its water quality certification permit. By 2050, it’s required that over 50,000 of the city’s least efficient buildings install energy-saving measures in order to cut their emissions by 80 percent.
Portland, Oregon
Of course a place as trendy as Portland, Oregon would be the poster child for the green city movement! Portland is extremely accessible for bikers and pedestrians. More than 7 percent of commuters make it to work via bicycle. The city has an extensive public transportation system, so it’s super easy to get around the city if you don’t want to drive. More than half of Portland’s energy is from a renewable source, and by 2050, Portland plans to be completely dependent on green energy. Portland Oregon is doubling the price of their bottle returns, so even more plastic will be recycled in the city once this takes effect! For anyone interested in moving to this eco-friendly place, Suddath Portland long distance moving company is the best option to get your stuff there in one piece.
Chicago
This city is a popular ecotourism destination, and for good reason! Chicago is home to a number of green museums. Millennium Park is a great example of the practicality of green rooftops. Located on the top of a parking garage, Millennium Park covers 25 acres of otherwise useless concrete with lush, native greenery. Garfield Park Conservatory and the Lincoln Park Conservatory boast a huge array of plants from all over the world, and any trip to Chicago wouldn’t be complete without visiting at least one of these wonderful greenhouses. Once an industrial nexus and a massive polluter, Chicago is a prime example of how any city can be made green.
Boston
Another ambitious city on the list, Boston plans to eliminate 80 percent of their greenhouse gas emissions by 2050! Currently, the city’s government is aggressively trying to increase efficiency standards for new and old buildings. Rooftop solar panels continue to gain traction as more and more businesses and individuals are coming to value the environment. With the Renew Boston efficiency program, hundreds of small businesses have received efficiency upgrades, and thousands of homes have been insulated.
