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DCL
NRDC has been focusing on cities lately: specifically, cities that are working to become "more efficient, sustainable, equitable and livable." It's looking for green urban leaders, and encouraging other cities to follow.
The "Smarter Cities" project has just named 22 cities "for their investment in green power, energy efficiency measures and conservation.
Of the cities that made the list, there are some you'd expect ([url='http://smartercities.nrdc.org/articles/san-francisco-ca-2010-smarter-city-energy',San Francisco[/url]) and some you wouldn't (Reno, NV), and every one has a description explaining its green qualifications.
From recognizing grassroots cleanup efforts to evaluating a city's power supply to looking at energy conservation programs, the list takes into account the full spectrum of a city's efforts to do good by the environment. Check out what earned the 22 cities the NRDC honor and if your city isn't on the list, there are plenty of ideas for ways your city can get started on the green path.
Here in Boulder, some may have been surprised that Fort Collins made the list when our green selves didn't, but others could probably see that coming. (Although the local coal-fired power plant is closing down, so... there's that.)
Help with going local
In addition, no matter what city you're in, NRDC has another great (and immediately useful) tool on the Smarter Cities site: What's Smart Near You? Check it out for help on taking advantage of resources in your area—everything from what local foods are in season to recycling centers to green hotels to finding a good spot to visit with nature.
