At one point in time, “eco-friendly” was a buzz word. Our cities weren’t necessarily built with green practices in mind, and conservation was minimal. Now, more citizens aim to reduce their carbon footprints and improve air quality, while saving money on resources and utilities in the meantime. Here at Modernize, we love to research the greenest cities and gain inspiration. Here are a few of the most eco-conscious cities in our country, and some tips on how to make your city greener.

Honolulu
When you think of Hawaii, you probably think of a relaxing beachside vacation, clear water, and awe-inspiring volcanoes. Eco-conscious may not be the first attribute you associate with Honolulu, but this city tops the charts as one of the greenest in America.

Honolulu is proof that one person can make a difference. According to an article by the Honolulu Convention Center, citizens commute on foot or by bike, due to proximity and reduced commute times. High fuel costs drive many residents to commute via electric cars. This reduces vehicle pollution, which means you won’t find a thick layer of smog on the horizon.

Honolulu has very few unsafe days when it comes to air quality, which is a vast improvement over many others. Residents also widely utilize solar panels to power their homes, which reduces utility bills and environmental damage.

San Diego

San Diego makes the cut, due to the community-wide effort to conserve. According to San Diego’s official tourism blog, you can see this even in big business, where periods of drought have motivated companies to install aerators for water conservation. Even the San Diego National Airport employs green practices, and it recently achieved LEED platinum certification.

Many of San Diego’s residents have switched to solar power, which makes it the #1 solar city in California. In addition, trolleys, buses, coasters, and cabs all reduce vehicle pollution, and many people opt to walk to their locations.

Conservation efforts even extend to the animal kingdom. You’ve probably heard of the San Diego Zoo, but did you know it’s also the largest animal conservation organization in the world? The zoo is dedicated to saving endangered species, and their scientific efforts have saved many of our furry (and scaly) friends.

Seattle

Seattle is certainly a city for tourists, and green efforts have turned major hotels like Hyatt at Olive 8 into eco-conscious powerhouses. Travel + Leisure states the Hyatt was the first LEED-certified hotel in Seattle, and it features a living roof, water conservation practices, and electricity with an automatic shut-off.

In fact, energy efficiency programs have developed innovative ways to conserve and make advancements accessible to even low-income residents. According to a release from the office of the Mayor, the city also implemented the Green Seattle Partnership, which engages volunteers with planing hundreds of thousands of trees and acres of parklands.

Chicago and Atlanta

Some cities go above and beyond to restore and create natural recreation spaces, like Chicago and Atlanta. Travel + Leisure highlights the Windy City’s Maggie Faley Park and Bloomingdale Trail. These natural areas promote outdoor fitness, walking or biking to work, and conservation efforts.

Atlanta has made valiant efforts to create green spaces and build hiking and nature trails. Atlanta Beltline used to be a railroad, but the city is now converting the area to 33 miles of trails. It’s a great city for bike rides and leisurely walks, which encourages residents to commute on foot, bike, or public transit.

You Can Make a Change

No matter where you live, you can engage in simple eco-conscious practices, like walking or biking to the store. Turn off your lights when you’re not home, or look into installing smarthome features that will help you conserve electricity. Recycle as much as you can, and if your neighborhood doesn’t have a program, start one! Even small steps will make your city a greener place—and our environment just a bit happier.