Sustainability to Protect the Environment - Part 2
A survey of the 50 largest US cities was taken in 2006 by SustainLane to determine the nation’s most complete report card on urban sustainability. (see www.sustainlane.com). They looked at such things as renewable energy programs that improve the quality of life for everyone.
Their questions were not about politics but better ways to sustain our environment. Their survey was taken to gauge how ready US cities will be with an uncertain future that is being determined by negative economic and environmental impacts that are created by dependence on fossil fuel.
Solar energy is one of the renewable energy sources, using local food sources is another, providing affordable housing and public transport were other determinants for the ranking. While the survey included bigger cities, smaller cities could be easily ranked as well, by the same standards.
Some of the cities who made the list were New York City (6th), Oakland, Ca (5th), Chicago (4th), Seattle (3rd), San Francisco (2nd) and Portland (number one). Portland has what is called “thoughtful” development. They have LEED buildings, permeable asphalt, hybrid cars for city people to use, endorse local produce for restaurants, recycling, and electric cars.
Part of the reason that Portland got the number one spot is because the people in the city “identify with having a high quality of life more than in most cities. They work hard at being involved in city policy, boards, projects and practices that impact sustainability.” So the grassroots and businesses who are keen on renewable power and conserving energy are really key to Portand’s standing.
With the recent grassroots efforts that are being taken in South Haven, from Celery Pond Advocates to the recent meeting at LMC, the BlackRiver Watershed program and other environmental programs cropping up all over the state and country, I’d say we’re taking steps. Now to convince the local governments to learn how to be thoughtful in considering development. As in all good government, politics and personalities must step aside for major decisions of the well-being of a global community, which starts right where we are, at hometown levels.
