# Green Lifestyle Choices for a Better Planet - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/12/green-city-lifestyle-choices-for-a-better-planet/ - Published: 2016-12-21T18:52:56-05:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## Top 6 US Cities for Living a Green Lifestyle Living a green lifestyle means managing your waste, recycling efficiently, making environmentally-friendly transportation choices. Then to buying local and organic goods, utilizing alternative forms of energy and reducing your overall carbon footprint. Going green becomes easier when you’re surrounded by a community that works together and supports each other to make the right choices. Here are six of the top U.S. cities that will compliment your green lifestyle. ### New York City, New York: King of Green City Lifestyle With [56 percent of commuters](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/greenest-cities-america_n_7112500) using public transportation, the majority of New York City residents are passing on carbon emitting means of transportation and implementing green options into their everyday lives. If you’re considering moving to the city or want to move into a green apartment, [ForRent.com](https://www.forrent.com/find/NY/metro-NYC/New+York) can lead you to LEED certified buildings with roof gardens, central-air filtration, a natural gas-fired cooling system, energy efficient elevators or solar shades, just to name a few. [[ ### Austin, Texas Another Green City Lifestyle Town Although an ambitious goal, the city aims to be carbon neutral by 2020 meaning the entire city will be powered on [strictly clean energy](http://www.austintexas.gov/climate). This, along with their 206 parks, 12 preserves, 26 greenbelts and 50+ miles of trails, means the city of Austin is serving as a great role model for residents while providing them with tons of [green space](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/national-public-gardens-day-save-our-green-spaces/) to make use of. ### Chicago, Illinois This green city lifestyle is [considered one of the first pioneers](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/07/city-infrastructure-solutions-for-urban-resilience/) of sustainable practices, beginning in 1909 with city planner Daniel Hudson Burnham, who provided the city with a long-term plan that balanced urban growth and protecting the lakefront. More recently, the [Chicago Green Roof Program](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dcd/supp_info/chicago_green_roofs.html) has converted more than 2.5 million square-feet of city roofs to green spaces that support plant life. ### Seattle, Washington Many residents here have [installed or plan to install solar](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/01/tesla-solar-energy-power-installed-new-roof/) panels on their homes. For that’s thanks to the [city’s incentive program that promotes energy conservation](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/12/making-green-happen-through-economics-of-sustainability/). Seattle also participates in city-wide composting of food scraps and yard waste. That’s regulated by the Seattle [public utilities](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/11/n-j-public-utilities-camden-county-microgrid/) department. Thereby eliminating 20-30 percent of [waste that would normally end up in landfills](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/08/landfill-waste-doubling-methane-gas-production-to-power-denton/). ### San Francisco, California This green city lifestyle has fine tuned their [recycling program](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/car-battery-recycling-program-tackling-battery-waste/). It has even added an [artistic twist with an artist-in-residence at the recycling facility](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/04/recycled-artist-in-residency-rair-transforms-philadelphia-waste-facility-into-a-performance-venue/). One who [creates work](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/07/we-can-save-water-through-sustainable-communities-through-acts-in-public-works/) to inspire residents. Especially to continue recycling and [properly manage their waste](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/07/environmental-benefits-of-proper-waste-management/). Most residents living in the city do not use personal vehicles thanks to [San Francisco’s](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/getaround-selected-as-official-transportation-partner-for-smart-energy-international-summit-in-san-francisco-october-24-26-2011/) numerous bike lanes, great public transportation system and overall walkability. For those who might need to utilize a vehicle every once in awhile; ride-sharing is a great way to get around while carpooling with others or you can hail one of the [city’s](https://www.sfmta.com/blog/sfs-taxis-can-help-you-go-green) [hybrid cabs](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/green-cab-ride-an-eco-friendly-experience/). As of the recent election, the entire [state of California has banned plastic bags](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/02/alliance-for-new-york-state-parks-calls-for-pennies-for-parks-fee-on-plastic-bags/). However, San Francisco was the first U.S. city to adopt the ban and continues to serve as a great example for other [cities going green](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/05/cities-going-green-sustainable-solutions-ahead/) city lifestyle. ### Portland, Oregon Deemed the most bikeable city in the U.S., Portland encourages their residents to skip gas-powered travel. For it provides them 200 miles of dedicated bike lanes. All to [ensure their safety](https://greenlivingguy.com/2008/05/helmet-law-for-electric-bike-riders-ensuring-safety-on-the-roads/). For Portland residents, [sustainability starts within their homes](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/10/trumps-solar-tariff-confusion-creates-an-opportunity/). So many [residents install container gardens](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/03/enercore-currently-offering-solar-garden-to-supply-residents-with-clean-energy-in-foxborough-and-hopkinton-massachusetts/). In addition, they make their own cheese. Also, they keep bees, care for their own chickens and so much more. Even if you decide to dine-out in Portland, restaurants offer vegetarian. As well as vegan, gluten-free, [locally sourced and organic](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/05/ellenborough-park-welcomes-local-organic-ila-products/) options. You’re looking for a city that not only embraces. One that also makes your eco-conscious green city lifestyle easier. So any of the above six are great choices. ## Green City Lifestyle Choices for a Better Planet ### Small Steps. Big City. Living sustainably doesn’t require huge sacrifices. It begins with small, daily choices. In a fast-paced urban environment, those choices multiply. They shape cleaner air, smarter consumption, and healthier communities. ### Choose Local and Seasonal Food Buying [local food](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_living?utm_source=chatgpt.com) cuts transportation emissions. It supports nearby farmers. Seasonal fruits and vegetables taste fresher and need fewer resources. Together, these choices make your diet both healthier and more sustainable. ### Cut Down on Meat [Meat production](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_living?utm_source=chatgpt.com) has a high environmental impact. It consumes water, energy, and land. Choosing a few plant-based meals each week lowers emissions and improves personal health. It’s a simple change with lasting benefits. ### Embrace Urban Gardening Starting a [rooftop or balcony garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_living?utm_source=chatgpt.com) brings nature closer to home. Even small gardens reduce food miles and absorb carbon. They provide fresh produce and improve mental health. ### Prioritize Green Spaces for that Green City Lifestyle Investing in [urban green spaces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_green_space?utm_source=chatgpt.com) benefits the whole city. Parks clean the air, cool urban heat, and provide a sense of community. They also give residents a space to recharge and connect with nature. ### Walk, Bike, or Use Public Transit Choosing [public transit or biking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Individual_action_on_climate_change?utm_source=chatgpt.com) instead of driving cuts emissions instantly. Walking adds exercise to your routine. Together, these choices lower pollution and promote healthier lifestyles. ### Support Smart Urban Planning [Green infrastructure](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_infrastructure?utm_source=chatgpt.com) such as green roofs, rain gardens, and compact neighborhoods make cities resilient. These features save energy, reduce flooding, and increase biodiversity. Supporting such projects ensures your city grows sustainably. ### Opt for Durable, Not Disposable Fast fashion and single-use goods create waste. Buying [durable products](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_living?utm_source=chatgpt.com) reduces environmental strain. Repair, reuse, and wear items longer to lower your footprint and save money. ### Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle The classic three Rs still matter. Reducing consumption comes first. Then reuse what you can. Finally, [recycle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recycling?utm_source=chatgpt.com) responsibly to save resources and minimize landfill waste. ### Clean Energy in Your Home Switching to [energy-efficient habits](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_energy?utm_source=chatgpt.com) makes a huge difference. Use LED bulbs, unplug idle devices, and adjust your thermostat. These simple steps lower emissions and cut utility costs. ## Strong Conclusion: Your City Needs Your Green City Lifestyle Your daily habits matter. A reusable bag, a balcony plant, or a bike ride instead of a drive—these actions signal change. They show that cleaner living is practical and possible. A [green city](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/02/aiph-garden-promotes-green-city-principles-at-expo-2019-beijing/) is not only about buildings or policy. It’s built through everyday habits of its people. Each choice becomes part of a collective movement. Together, these choices create cleaner air, stronger communities, and healthier lives. So start today. Walk more. Eat local. Plant something green. Repair instead of discard. Every small act strengthens the future. By embracing these lifestyle choices, we can transform our cities into living models of sustainability—one person, one action, and one day at a time.