The World’s Most Eco-Friendly Cities

It is a known fact the world is becoming more and more polluted every day. The oceans we swim in and the air we breathe are getting contaminated continuously. It is a global problem, and in today's age, many cities have raised their concerns. They are taking ineffective measures to live more sustainable. Those cities are benefiting the quality of life and protecting the environment. Here are the 15 most eco-friendly towns that will inspire you to become an eco-friendly traveler on your next trip.

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands

One of the most beautiful places to travel in the world also happens to be one of the most eco-friendly places. They support and encourage local farmer's markets and organic diets. Most residents prefer bicycles as their form of transportation, mostly because of convenience. If they do not own a bike, there are many bike rentals all over the city.

2. Berlin, Germany

Berlin beautifully incorporates green spaces into urban landscapes. It also has more parks than any other city in Europe. In recent years, it's recorded that there are fewer cars on the road than in many other towns with efficient transportation systems. The city is also making regulations according to recycling plastic bottles.

3. Boston, Massachusetts

The city of Boston has a high concentration of action-minded environmentalists who wants to make a change. With the city's recycling programs, solar power systems, and efficient public transportation forms, Boston is a promising sustainable city.

4. Cape Town, South Africa

The second-largest city in South Africa is striving for more energy conservation and greater use of renewable resources in recent years. The city now uses commercial wind farms for energy and are providing bike routes throughout the city.

5. Copenhagen, Denmark

Voted as the most eco-friendly city in the world, the capital of Copenhagen is committed to developing green ways of living and promoting sustainability. A popular activity to do in this city is to go biking, and most residents incorporate cycling in their everyday life.

6. Helsinki, Finland

Nature is strongly felt in the everyday lives of the citizens of Helsinki. This great city encourages eco-friendly lifestyles. Parks, forests, and seaside surround residents. There is the development of public transportation, recycling, and a decrease in unnecessary consumption.

7. New York City, New York

One of the largest cities in America is a pretty eco-friendly place. The Big Apple Is one of the most walkable urban hubs in the United States. The town is filled with subways, buses, and miles of bike lanes and routes. Residents and visitors are always found at eco-friendly destinations such as parks and local markets. New York City aims to ensure the quality of life for all.

8. Portland, Oregon

Besides the gorgeous views and popping coffee shops, Portland is a place filled with environmentalists and hippies. The city as grown to be one of the greenest places to live and visit, offering close to 100,000 acres of green land and 74 miles of hiking and running trails.

9. Reykjavik, Iceland

A beautiful and pure sight can also be one of the cleanest places in the world. Living sustainably in Reykjavik means to have hydrogen buses as transportation and efficient heat and electricity sources.

10. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

One of Brazil's famous tourist destination, which is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant sights, also has the longest public transportation network in Latin America. Residents are found biking around the city for work and fun. The municipality aims for sufficient, sustainable growth in all their responses to emerging challenges.

11. San Francisco, California

Surrounded by blue waters, clear blue skies, and miles of natural parks and forests, San Francisco is one of the most beautiful and the greenest cities in America. Most residents walk, bikes, or uses public transportation in their everyday lives. It is also the first American city to ban plastic water bottles.

12. Seattle, Washington

Having the most significant reputation of being such a green place, Seattle is known as the Emerald City. The urban city thrives on environmental sustainability. With substantial improvements in air quality, green spaces such as parks, gardens, and arboretums, there is so much value to the city. Seattle also focuses on public transportation, energy conservations, water quality, recycling, and green buildings.

13. Singapore, Asia

Known as the greenest city in Asia, it is also aiming to become the world's greenest city. The city has one of the largest and most eco-friendly attractions such as gardens.

14. Stockholm, Sweden

This beautiful city of Sweden has a large amount of bio-fuel, which is generated from sewage for all cars. It is considered as a climate-smart city. They prioritize cycling, walking, and public transportation. Stockholm has great parks, gardens, and nature reserves all over the city.

15. Vancouver, Canada

Considered as one of the most sustainable cities in North America, Vancouver is admirably green. The town is surrounded by the ocean, mountains and lined with tons of trees. Vancouver is known for having the lowest greenhouse gas emissions in North America as well. The city of Vancouver has aimed at creating policies to advance sustainability and environmental protection.

Written by Nhi Nguyen

10 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint When You Travel

Every time you are traveling, you are adding a significant number of gases to the atmosphere, which then leads to the concern of climate change. Air travel is responsible for the most substantial part of your carbon footprint. There are a few things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment. Here is a list of ten ways you can do it while traveling. 

1. Travel Light

Every passenger is guaranteed to have a bag with them, but when each person is bringing more than two luggage on the plane, they are engaging in the problem. The more weight the plane carries, the more fuel the aircraft will need. When packing, think about if you need that item and how much clothes and products you need for your trip. Simplify your packing and try to fit what you need into a backpack with many compartments to make transit easier and to also play your part in reducing your carbon footprint when travelling

2. Take a Direct Flight

The bulk of the plane's carbon emissions is when it is taking off and landing. For this reason, you would be dramatically saving the environment by taking longer and non-stop flights.

3. Fly Economy

If you fly first class or business class, your carbon emissions are at least three times more than if you decide to travel in economy. The seats are smaller, meaning more people can be flown using the same fuel.

4. Purchase Carbon Off-Setting

If you must travel by plane, the smartest thing you can decide to offset the carbon emissions of your travel. A carbon offset is an amount of money you can pay for a project that reduces greenhouse gases somewhere else. If one ton of carbon is offset, one ton of greenhouse gases would be destroyed instead of being released into the atmosphere. There are multiple of offset calculators you can find on the Internet that estimates the carbon emissions of your flight and the amount of money it would need to offset them.

5. Take an Alternative Travel Method

Instead of taking a flight, which would create lots of carbon emission, you can opt to ride a train or the bus. Especially if your flight would have been three hours, an alternative option would be easy to find. By putting fewer cars on the road, there will be a reduced amount of exhaust filling the atmosphere.

6. Walk, Bike, and Use Public Transportation at Final Destination

Traditional cars put out a lot of exhaust, which pollutes the air. You will cut down on gas and save yourself a lot of stress if you don't drive in the new town. Walking and biking will allow you to explore and see more of the city than if you were in a car. It requires much less energy to produce a bike than to manufacturer a car. Also, you will get to exercise your muscles while helping the environment.

7. Consider Traveling to More Eco-Friendly Places

There are many cities and places that are incorporating environmental advances. Consider taking a trip to destinations that are less harmful than others. You will be surprised to know that the most beautiful places can be the greenest. Find out what these destinations could be in our World's Most Eco-Friendly Cities blog article.

8. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

This simple act is something that can be easily forgotten. Try to avoid the single-use of plastics and paper products. If you didn't happen to bring a reusable water bottle, try to purchase one once you are at your destination. If this is not achievable, opt to buy products that are recyclable and that have minimal packaging to minimize excess. Hence, be more mindful of what you are purchasing and find a way you can keep that item out of the landfill. Properly recycle all plastic, paper, and glass that you might come across. Most major cities have recycled compost and bins spread throughout the city.

9. Support Local Markets and Cuisines

The best part about traveling would have to be trying new food. But to partake in reducing carbon emission, try to either buy food from locally sourced and made foods. This all includes plant-based, organic, and unprocessed foods from a local farmer's market. Also, remember to only order what you need and are going to eat to minimize food waste.

10. Save Electricity

When you are leaving for the day, do not forget to turn off all lights and unplug any cords. Turning down the thermostat and water heater would help as well. Not only will you save energy, but you can save money too.

Written By Nhi Nguyen