Green List Wednesday
In the not-so-far of future of wildflowers, the towns and cities across the nation have all converted to more environmentally-friendly practices. EVs (electric vehicles) sit in every garage, solar and wind power dominate as energy sources, and lifestyle changes abound. In the here and now, green cities are cropping up left and right, and though some have been doing what they do for decades, others are just getting started. If you're wondering what makes one city greener than another, the simplicity of the criteria may surprise you, though towns and cities who attempt such things know simple doesn't always mean easy. Any community attempting more ecologically-centered development would think about:
Current energy sources, developing energy sources, and consumption of energy
They'll also have to consider the green lifestyle, which includes:
Improving transportation, creating green jobs, building parks and bikeways, employing sustainable building practices, while also consider recycling programs and local food resources
Green cities are everywhere...Sweden, Australia, Brazil, Spain...but here are a few cool ones stateside:
Oakland, CA - home to the cleanest tap water and oldest wildlife refuge
Chicago, IL - with a city greenbelt created in the early 1900s and a new green roof program
Cambridge, MA - created a city compost program and fuels most city vehicles with biodiesel or electricity
Portland, OR - oh my, where to begin, they do everything green
Greensburg, KS - in 2007 after a tornado devastated the town, they committed to rebuild 100% of their buildings meeting platinum certified LEED standards
And speaking of cities and the people who do their part, I'd like to thank Homeology, the home interiors boutique dedicated to a greener way of living, for joining the fRead Project in celebrating Earth Day with an art sale. Currently, all the R McCormack originals are discounted 20-40%. This includes the wildflowers and cityscapes pieces that were part of the November show. If you'd like more information, contact me or the shop. Thanks Homeology!