Green Cities and States
Many mayors are taking it upon themselves to be good stewards of the environment. They are taking actions to improve air quality, reduce electrical use and production, encourage green building construction, allocate more green space, support nontraditional transportation, and set aside or improve areas for recreational activities.
The U.S. Conference of Mayors is just one coalition working to improve cities in a variety of ways. In an effort to improve air quality, 238 cities have pledged accordance with the Climate Protection Agreement, a pact that encourages each city to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7 percent from 1990 levels by the year 2012.
The organization shares ideas and outcomes from programs they have implemented, providing a network of environmental actions and results for others to learn from. This is just one example of how communities are working together to improve conditions in their own cities and towns.
When it comes to good stewardship, Austin, Texas; San Francisco, California; Portland, Oregon; Boulder, Colorado; Seattle, Washington; and many others have been identified by organizations like the Green Guide as showing success. Chicago, Minneapolis, and Honolulu are very conscientious when it comes to encouraging clean air and water, promoting green building, and ensuring parks and open spaces are protected.
Eugene, Oregon, got the top spot in the Green Guide's list for 2006 because of its numerous bike trails, open space, and commitment to renewable resources. Eighty-five percent of the city's power is provided by hydroelectricity and wind power.
If you are looking for an official list, review The Top 10 Green Cities List put out annually by National Geographic's The Green Guide, a resource that provides information for consumers so they can make informed environmental choices in their daily lives.
States may not be involved on the same level as cities, but they still take measures to make themselves more environmentally friendly to homeowners. States on both coasts have come together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The West Coast Governors' Global Warming Initiative, including California, Oregon, and Washington, puts limits on greenhouse gas emissions and commits the states to using increasing amounts of renewable energy. Nine states on the other side of the country — Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont — formed the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative with similar aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
If California, Oregon, and Washington were a country, they would rank seventh in the world in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. California alone would rank twelfth.
Federal and state tax incentives or local utility rebates may be available for energy-efficient products purchased and installed in your home. Energy Star-rated appliances like solar water heaters, photovoltaic cells, and windows can be deducted from federal income tax. The North Carolina Solar Center publishes a list of state incentives and programs.
There are 15 states in all where over 20 percent of the homes have qualified for the Energy Star label. Energy Star criteria were created by the EPA and the Department of Energy to give homeowners and contractors guidelines and direction when looking for more sustainable approaches to construction. Energy Star rates homes, businesses, and household products for energy efficiency.
