America’s Eco-Champions: These Green Cities Leading the Way
While the United States may not rank among the top countries in renewable energy adoption on a national scale, numerous cities and towns are defying this trend through their proactive green initiatives. More than 50 towns in the United States have achieved 100% renewable energy usage, showcasing their commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. Here is a brief overview of the greenest cities in the United States, celebrating their successful journey towards sustainable energy practices.
Burlington, Vermont
The city is naturally blessed with luscious greenery and sourced its power from wind turbines. Still, it aimed to protect and conserve the environment, leading to a motivated shift to renewable energy.
The city was the first to get to 100% renewable, mainly from wind turbines, hydroelectric dams, and the McNeil biomass facility. The city has successfully utilized its surroundings to benefit Mother Nature and keep a hold of its charming attraction.
Aspen, Colorado
Because of its immense popularity and unique location, Aspen was the third town in the US to transition to 100% renewable energy.
Aspen’s intention to become renewable didn’t appear out of thin air; the town and community collaborated to drive the shift so the area could protect and conserve the environment while maintaining its tourist status.
Greensburg, Kansas
Greensburg is one of the U.S.’ few secluded cities, but its transformation to a renewable state has gradually increased in popularity. Greensburg was never a densely populated area, but sadly, its population dropped to 714 after the devastating tornado that hit the city in 2007.
The tornado was one of the deadliest in U.S. history, and unfortunately, it claimed countless lives and homes in its wake. After the rural city began to recover from the horrible effects of the heartless tornado, a city-wide sentiment carried by Mayor Bob Dixon initiated its transition into a sustainable city.
Ithaca, New York
A quaint city in the more energetic state, Ithaca is filled with lush green trees, gurgling waterfalls, and Victorian-esque buildings. Naturally, the city is a popular tourist destination, which prompted citizens to seek green initiatives.
It restarted its efforts to go green in 2012 with city-wide efforts to purchase renewable energy to compensate for 100% of its electricity demands. A couple of years later, Ithaca is wholly sustainable and utilizes renewable energy.
Juneau, Alaska
Juneau, one of the world’s most serene port cities, boasts luscious hills, snowy peaks, and unimaginable glacial beauty. It is close to one of Alaska’s National Parks, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve but only approachable by boat or plane. Juneau’s unique and attractive features make it a popular tourist destination, now one of the few completely sustainable ones.
Realizing the city required a sustainable and long-lasting heating solution, supportive city leaders initiated green projects where residents were provided low-energy heat pumps.
Rock Port, Missouri
A U.S. history’s first, Missouri’s Rock Port is the first city to transition to a 100% wind-powered community. The quaint city lined with dainty buildings was always blessed with the perfect environment to transition to wind turbines.
Its decision to become self-sufficient proved effective and beneficial; the community saved much on payback per acre, generating a stable revenue.
Kodiak Island, Alaska
While Kodiak Island is not part of any of the popular Alaska National Parks, but it is home to a prevalent wildlife that attracts thousands of tourists yearly. Today, the island is entirely renewable and sustainable, but unfortunately, its decision was out of necessity.
Realizing the city must transition to a renewable future to survive, Kodiak Island set a goal in 2008 to be at least 95% renewable by 2020. The city-wide efforts proved more than effective; by the time of its goal’s deadline, the city had achieved 99.7% renewable status and is continuously working for more.
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
With a population of just under 10,000, Glenwood Springs in Colorado has a unique blessing: nestled in the Rocky Mountains, surrounded by the White River National Forest, and home to hundreds of natural hot springs.
The city realized its predicament, and a community-driven motivation moved city officials to adopt a sustainable plan. Beginning green initiatives around 2009, the city had become 35% renewable by 2013 and successfully 100% by 2019. Although Glenwood Springs has achieved its goals, the city still works to reduce its carbon footprint.
Georgetown, Texas
The most impressive green city, Georgetown, accomplished its goals in a few years.
The city had been experiencing high energy costs for decades but shared one of the worst just before 2017. This, coupled with the devastating effects on the environment, which subsequently affected residents’ health, broke the camel’s back, and the city vowed to become 100% renewable.
47 Green Cities in California
California state aims to cut emissions by at least 80% by 2050, as outlined by the Global Warming Solutions Act that was passed in 2006. According to this Act, there will be cap-and-trade to reduce emissions across various sectors, such as cement plants, power plants, and refineries.
Here is the list of the greenest cities in California buying 100% renewable electricity from green energy providers such as Silicon Valley Clean Energy, Monterey Bay Community Power, or Clean Power Alliance reported by the 100% Renewable Energy Atlas.
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Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.