If you have been to any of these cities, you have probably noticed some of the things that set them apart. These cities recycle the most and are making extra efforts to reduce CO2 emissions, build green buildings, use water efficiently, and put less trash in the landfill.
Greenest Cities in the World
The list is compiled by information from the Green City Index by Siemens. Thirty individual indicators are measured touching a wide range of environmental areas, from waste management and greenhouse gas emissions to water consumption and public transport. You can take a look at how the major cities in your country are doing on the Green Index by Siemens website. Each city is facing it’s own unique issues while choosing which green goals to work towards.The cities that are on this list are putting forth a valiant effort and getting amazing results!
Here is the list of the cities across the globe that are standing out with their efforts towards recycling and other green initiatives, bringing the earth towards a more sustainable future:
- Copenhagen, Denmark: With many people biking rather than riding automobiles, it is easy to see their focus is on reaching their carbon neutral goals.
- Curitiba, Brazil: Their eco-city initiatives started long ago with a goal making it literally the ‘greenest’ city in the world (city’s current total of 52 m² of green space).
- Oslo, Norway: With a focus on renewable energy, Oslo is leading city in electric car use with special incentives for eco-drivers.
- San Francisco, California, United States: San Fransisco has a strict recycling program including pay-as-you-throw on non-recyclable garbage. San Fransisco is the greenest city in the US and has a goal of zero-waste for 2020.
- Stockholm, Sweden: Stockholm has been aiming to reduce car use by offering green transportation alternatives. A congestion tax that was started in 2007 is raising money towards improving the environment.
- Singapore City, Singapore: Singapore’s “Green Mark Scheme” has building requirements that ensures all buildings are green throughout.
- Vancouver, Canada: Vancouver launched the Greenest City Action Plan in 2011, focusing on reducing emissions and waste, while increasing a green economy. Their goal is to be a completely renewable city by 2050.
- Vienna, Austria: Vienna knows how to use water efficiently. They use water to generate electricity. Wastewater from the city is treated and purified before being released back to nature.
Image Credit: Expedia Canada
View other helpful recycling and waste infographics:
Why Recycle Cardboard Boxes
Tackling the Plastic Pollution Problem
Municipal Solid Waste in the U.S.
The Facts about Textile Waste
Why Recycle: Recycling Tips and Stats
Recycling: Good, Better, Best
The Global Face of Recycling Infographic
Waste Management and Recycling Infograpic
Recycling in Restaurants Infographic
Trash and Recycling Trends Infographic
What’s in your Trash? Infographic
Recycling Facts and Statistics Infographic
Recycling and Trash in Europe Infographic
