Best Communities to Find Green Rentals
EnviroCitizen.org has found that finding a green place to live is no small feat. It can be hard to find the optimal place by sorting fact from fiction. We have reviewed a few places that are worth considering if you are looking for a green rental.
One region worth looking in is Northern Texas, particularly cities like Austin. The state has several green building and green building rating systems. They also have Austin Energy, the country's largest provider of renewable energy. The city itself has an ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2020. They also have lots of recreational opportunities. There are many trails, nature preserves, parks and more.
Northern California is another leader in green living in the United States. Cities like Berkeley, Oakland and San Francisco are in the forefront when it comes to green communities. San Francisco has engaged in amazing solar power efforts and an innovative recycling program that is one of the leading ones in the nation. They even have banned plastic bags! The price of a green rental may be a little high in San Francisco, but you'll be able to rent in confidence knowing that it is extremely green. Berkeley is another leader for several reasons. Not only is it a very innovative city because it's a college town, but Berkeley is quickly becoming a leader in clean energy and development. Oakland is another outstanding place to consider. Located across the bay from San Francisco, Oakland is where some residents choose to live if San Fancisco is not within their budget. The city receives 17% of its energy from renewable sources. There are also plans to be both independent from fossil fuels and have a zero waste program by 2020. Oakland also has the country's cleanest tap water, easy access to wholesome organic and locally produced food and a hydrogen-powered public transit system. The country's oldest wildlife refuge is in Oakland as well. There are many other communities that are striving to be green as well in California, such as the wine country parts. If you are on the west coast, this is a great place to look for green communities.
You may be surprised to hear that both Boston and New York are on the list of places with great green rentals. New York has been rated as one of the most walkable communities in the country. It also boasts the longest life expectancy of all cities. Boston is seeking to educate its residents on green lifestyles through conferences for all citizens. Other green efforts include a “Green by 2015″ program aimed at replacing all traditional taxi cabs with hybrid vehicles, getting more solar panels in operation and even turning waste into power.
Finally, Oregon is another location where you can easily find a green rental. Portland is one of the cities that stands out. The city has been named the most bikable city in the United States for its 200 miles plus of dedicated bike lanes. The city offers classes for do-it-yourself sustainability pursuits like beekeeping, container gardening and more. The city also boasts a large number of green developments that are LEED rated for all economic backgrounds. At the end of the day, EnviroCitizen.org has found that green communities and rental are quickly popping up all over the United States. Try looking in your area! You just may be surprised.
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