# Exploring the Eco-Friendly Environment of San Francisco

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/11/exploring-the-eco-friendly-environment-of-san-francisco/
- Published: 2018-11-02T22:51:20-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

In the United States, California is a leader in [sustainability](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/04/soma-sustainability-tech-startups-and-eco-friendly-apps/).
According to a national study conducted by [WalletHub](https://wallethub.com/edu/greenest-states/11987/),
California ranks 9th in overall environmentally friendly practices. Especially when
compared with other states. This report analyzed each state’s overall energy consumption,
reusable energy accessibility, and [LEED](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/09/mirabella-homes-leed-to-huge-savings-for-home-buyers/)
building certification. In addition and as well as soil, water and air quality. 
The data indicates that while California has exceptionally low rates of energy consumption—
ranking 3rd in usage per capita—it also has the worst air quality of any state in
the Union.

However, there are cities in California that exhibit higher sustainability standards
than others. San Francisco, for example, is widely known as an eco-friendly city
with [comparatively low rates of consumption and pollution](https://www.numbeo.com/pollution/compare_cities.jsp?country1=United+States&city1=Los+Angeles%2C+CA&country2=United+States&city2=San+Francisco%2C+CA).

This shows an institutional commitment to sustainability, as well as high levels
of resident interest in protecting the environment. While this speaks highly of 
residents in San Francisco. Therefore there is always more to be done to make urban
living more eco-friendly.

![San Francisco air quality ](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2018/11/pexels-photo-919436.jpeg?resize=420%2C301&quality=52&ssl=1 "San Francisco
air quality")

#### Consume Consciously

Being a conscious consumer is critical to living a greener lifestyle.

Before you purchase, consider the environmental, ecological, and sociopolitical 
impact, and decide if the item is both necessary to your lifestyle and reflective
of sustainable values. Always be utilitarian, and only purchase what you need. When
purchases are necessary, be sure to invest in quality products that will last or
can be repaired. Buy local, and limit online shopping to reduce emissions.

#### If you can, buy it used

In addition and when you get a new phone or laptop, consider whether or not the 
upgrade is truly necessary. If it is, opt for refurbished electronics at checkout.

As well, avoid items composed of plastics. For example, food storage containers 
are big culprits and can be easily swapped for glass and metal alternatives.

#### Switch to recycled paper

Use biodegradable soaps! In coastal areas like San Francisco, this is an extremely
important step. One that helps protect aquatic environments and improves overall
water quality.

![Reduce reuse recycle. San Francisco ](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-
content/uploads/2018/11/pexels-photo-1055712.jpeg?resize=420%2C279&quality=52&ssl
=1 "Reduce reuse recycle. San Francisco ")

Learn about your area’s recycling guidelines and recycle everything.
[Waste removal companies](https://www.1800gotjunk.com/us_en/locations/junk-removal-sanfrancisco)
can help you with larger items that are more difficult to move and process, such
as appliances, mattresses, and carpeting. They will even pick it up for you! Always
remember that your purchasing power matters. When you support sustainable businesses,
you are directly contributing to a wider network of green alternatives.>The sheer
number of cars on the road contribute significantly to poor air quality in California.
While San Francisco generally performsbetter in air quality standards. Therefore
it is essential for residents to reduce the amount of time they spend driving alone.

The best options are the ones that avoid driving and mass transit all together, 
such as walking or biking. Bike commuting is popular in San Francisco, making it
a safe alternative as drivers are used to sharing the road. Additionally, public
transportation in San Francisco is extremely diverse and accessible, particularly
when combined with biking and walking.

[Take BART service](https://www.bart.gov/) or [invest in an electric or hybrid car](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/04/u-s-news-world-report-unveils-their-opinion-on-best-hybrid-and-electric-vehicles/).
One which reduces fossil fuel consumption while also limiting harmful emissions.
No matter what suits your needs, opting for alternative transportation saves you
and your city money and time while preserving the [environment](https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/10/halloween-organic-milk-a-healthy-treat-alternative/)
and fostering healthy living.

#### Green Eating

San Francisco is avidly health conscious and is already a leader in the sustainable
food industry. Vegetarian and vegan diets are particularly popular, cutting the 
city’s meat consumption significantly. If you do eat meat, try lowering your intake
gradually. Purchase products from smaller farms that grass feed their animals and
practice rotational grazing. Avoid farm raised fish and buy local.

San Franciscans have access to an incredible variety of foods grown right in California.
Farmer’s Markets and co-ops are abundant and often year-round, making it easy to
maintain a healthy diet of diverse foods. Buy goods that support sustainable business
models. Meal plan fastidiously, avoid food waste, and compost! If you have a yard,
or even just a well-lit windowsill, consider urban farming. When you know where 
your food comes from, you are more likely to make food selections that support your
health and the health of the environment.

#### Vote and Volunteer

Awareness is key. Educate yourself and get involved! Large-scale, institutional 
change is made when citizens register to vote, and support [green legislation and candidates that value sustainable](https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/10/evette-rios-on-going-green-and-sustainability/)
practices. Support and pilot initiatives that encourage community education and 
green living, especially those that engage with children and youth. Volunteer your
time with local organizations that plant trees, clean up parks, and advocate for
environmental reform. Change is possible when everyone is in it together.

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
s=300&d=monsterid&r=g)

 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

 [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [  ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)