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More and more people across the world are making mass efforts to reduce the effects of climate change and make the world a better place for the next generations. The following American cities are certainly doing their part to lessen their carbon footprint. They serve as an excellent example of how sometimes all it takes is one positive step in the right direction to make a noticeable change. Check out six of the greenest cities in the United States.
1. SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
San Franciscans are all about living sustainably and making the world a better place years to come. The city has one of the lowest driving rates in the entire country, and one of the highest in terms of bicycle commuters. The Northern California city also has some of the largest numbers of farmers markets per capita.
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2. HONOLULU, HAWAII
This beautiful city is an energy saving haven. In 2016, the Hawaiian city had one of the lowest greenhouse-gas emissions per capita, and the highest percentage of actual green space in the entire country.
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3. PORTLAND, OREGON
Visit Portland, Or and you’ll likely stumble upon a few of their lush city parks (including their International Rose Test Garden. Portland’s citizens enjoy their convenient transportation systems, shops that sell locally sourced clothing items, numerous restaurants that serve sustainable food items, and easy bike sharing system. Their bike-friendly paths and easy access to cleaner forms of transportation make this one of the greenest cities in the United States.
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4. MINNEAPOLIS/ST PAUL, MINNESOTA
Minneapolis is committed to reducing their carbon footprint. The Midwestern city boasts numerous bike sharing stations, a shopping center that runs on solar power, multiple green spaces, and a Target Field that collects gallons and gallons of rainwater and snow each year.
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5. KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
In 2016 Kansas City introduced a streetcar, the latest addition to their eco-friendly mass transportation system. In this town, the flea markets and BBQ restaurants (which use cuts of meats from locally raised livestock) aren’t hard to find, proving that going green can be an enjoyable experience for all.
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6. CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
Although Charleston may come as a surprise, this gorgeous - and completely walkable - Southern town is known for their antique shops and delicious restaurants that cook with local ingredients. The efforts to reduce waste fit right into the laid back lifestyle, making it easier and more enjoyable to live a greener life.
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