Skyscrapers, cars and large spans of concrete fill many cities. While cities seem to produce significant amounts of pollution and strain on the environment, there are many ways to go green on a city-wide scale. Working together as a community makes the efforts more effective. Green initiatives make the city more appealing to those concerned with the environment and businesses with an environmental focus.
Promote Public Transportation
Reducing the number of vehicles on the road decreases the amount of pollution while conserving nonrenewable fossil fuels. An efficient public transportation system encourages commuters to leave the car at home and take the bus, train or subway. Public transportation that relies on renewable energy sources makes the system more environmentally-friendly, according to Earth911.com. Once an efficient public transportation system is in place, getting people to utilize makes it effective. Working with large employers and offering incentives to take public transportation can help increase participation.
Help Bicyclists
Riding a bicycle or walking to work is a green option to help reduce pollution in the city. A system that makes bicycling and walking to work easier may increase the number of residents who do so. Bike lanes on the roads and parking areas for bikes around the city make it more feasible for residents to pedal to work. Wide sidewalks or walking trails connecting the major areas of the city make it safer for residents to walk to work or to run errands.
Add Greenery
Plants and trees in the city become a challenge if there isn't a lot of green space. Large sidewalk planters offer an option for flowers and small trees. Rooftop gardens are another option for adding vegetation, which can improve the air quality, insulate buildings and increase property values, according to Urban Agriculture Notes from Canada's Office of Urban Agriculture. The proper construction of rooftop gardens can create jobs, which benefits the city as a whole.
Increase Recycling Efforts
Most cities offer either curbside recycling or drop-off recycling centers. To go further with the recycling program, include a compost program that encourages residents to separate their food waste. Providing compost bins for home use is another option. Some cities created laws requiring residents to use recycling programs or limiting items that may be thrown in the trash, according to Earth911.com.
Enlist Community Help
A community green committee helps find new ways to make the city more environmentally friendly. Involve residents, community leaders and business owners to make the committee a community effort. The committee spreads information about green changes that residents and businesses can make. It also organizes community service projects, such as city clean-ups or community gardens.
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