10 Greenest Cities In The US
- Portland, Oregon
- San Francisco, California
- Seattle, Washington
- Boston, Massachusetts
- San Diego, California
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Denver, Colorado,
- Washington, DC
- Berkeley, California
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon, proudly holds the title of the greenest city in the United States. Portland is well-known as being America's premier environmentally friendly or 'green' city and boasts numerous parks as well as an extensive network of 400 miles of bikeways, encouraging residents and visitors alike to opt for sustainable transportation.
Beyond its commitment to alternative modes of commuting, Portland has also dedicated itself to preserving natural beauty within its urban landscape. With an impressive 92,000 acres of green spaces developed within the city, Portland offers its residents ample opportunities to connect with nature and enjoy a sustainable, green lifestyle.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California, stands out as one of the greenest US cities, with its commitment to sustainability evident in everyday practices. Surrounded by over 30 miles of hiking trails, the city encourages outdoor activities that connect residents with nature.
Remarkably, San Francisco diverts 80 percent of its waste from landfills, reflecting a strong focus on waste reduction. In the city, plastic packaging and straws are notably absent, and composting has become the norm, showcasing a collective effort towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington, is the 3rd greenest city in the US. More than 80% of the power in Seattle comes from clean hydroelectricity, keeping things eco-friendly. Almost all Seattle folks, a whopping 97%, live close to a park, just a short 10-minute walk away. Thanks to hydroelectric dams, Seattle stands proudly in the top 1% of US cities for using renewable energy, showing their commitment to a greener and healthier environment.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts, stands proudly as one of the greenest cities in the United States. With its historical charm and modern commitment to sustainability, it has earned its place among the eco-friendly urban hubs.
Not only is it the 3rd most walkable city in the nation, but it has also been recognized as the "Solar City of America" by the US Department of Energy. Boston embraces the Zero Waste strategy, aiming to boost its recycling rate from 25% to 80% by 2035 and an impressive 90% by 2050.
San Diego, California
San Diego, California, holds the title of the greenest city in the United States, according to WalletHub. It takes pride in being the first major city to pledge to use 100% renewable energy. San Diego is working towards achieving this goal by 2035, emphasizing a commitment to a sustainable future.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu, Hawaii, our next green city, is a place where nature and sustainability thrive. With abundant green spaces and bustling farmers' markets, the city embraces a lifestyle deeply connected to the environment.
Notably, Honolulu shines as a solar power champion, ranking in the top 1% in the country for the number of solar installations. The island is on a mission towards a greener future, aiming to achieve a net-negative carbon economy by 2045.
Denver, Colorado
Denver, Colorado, is the 7th greenest city in the US. Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, Denver offers its residents abundant fresh air, crystal clear blue skies, and a wide variety of natural wonders. With over 200 parks scattered across the city, locals have ample green spaces to enjoy.
Denver is on a mission to be even greener, aiming to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030. The 80 x 50 Climate Action Plan outlines the city's roadmap towards an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, showcasing its commitment to a sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
Washington, DC
Washington, DC, stands out as one of the greenest cities in the United States. It proudly holds the title of the world's first LEED Platinum City, showcasing its commitment to sustainable practices. DC is in the top 2% of the country for having many LEED-certified buildings, emphasizing its dedication to environmentally friendly construction.
Looking ahead, the city has set an ambitious goal – by 2032, it aims to derive 100% of its energy from renewable sources, further solidifying its position as a leader in the pursuit of a greener, more sustainable future.
Berkeley, California
Berkeley, California, is a city with a strong commitment to the environment. It aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045, showing its dedication to a cleaner and greener future. The city takes pride in its abundant green spaces, boasting over fifty parks where residents can enjoy nature and outdoor activities.
Berkeley also stands out nationally, ranking in the top 8% for its high percentage of green commuters. The city's efforts in promoting sustainable transportation contribute to its overall commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison, the second-to-last city on our list, is earnestly striving to reach net-zero community-wide carbon emissions by 2050. This commitment reflects the city's dedication to a greener future.
With a whopping 299 parks, Madison embraces nature and offers ample green spaces for residents and visitors alike. Moreover, Madison is renowned for its easily navigable and cyclist-friendly downtown, creating a pleasant and eco-friendly atmosphere for those who prefer walking or biking.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, wraps up our list of the greenest cities in the US. With 200 bike stations, it encourages eco-friendly commuting. A remarkable 95% of residents can easily walk to a park in under 10 minutes, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
Boasting 105,843 sq. ft. of green areas per capita, the city values green spaces. Minneapolis is committed to sustainability, aiming to use 100% renewable energy by 2030, showcasing its dedication to a cleaner and greener future.