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While Greensburg explores a robust example of an entire town that's voluntarily gone green, many other areas across America are going the extra mile and reducing their eco-footprints one step at a time. Here are some highlights from around the nation. Go ahead and use these ideas for your own locale.
Roy Lee Walker Elementary School in McKinney, Texas
Along with their ABCs, students in this sustainable school are also taught how to live eco-friendly lives. Classrooms are lit almost entirely by sunlight, and solar panels generate enough energy for all hot water used in student bathrooms and in the cafeteria.
Alameda-Contra Costa Transit System in California
In any large city, a reliable bus system is a must for transporting citizens efficiently, but with diesel buses emitting 130 tons of carbon dioxide per year, public transportation still takes its toll on the environment. The AC Transit agency, which serves East Bay cities, is changing the eco-footprint of public transportation with the largest fleet of zero-emission, hydrogen-powered public transport vehicles in America.
The Residents of Madison, Wisconsin
With a human population of just over 200,000 and a bike population of 150,000, it?s safe to say that Madison residents have some of the smallest eco-footprints America, with individuals overwhelmingly preferring to bike to work and school instead of utilizing gas-guzzling cars and public transportation.
The Solaire in New York City
Residents of America's first environmentally advanced residential tower take pride in their tiny eco-footprint created by their extremely sustainable lifestyle, which is supported by building features like photovoltaic panels that convert sunlight to electricity, a rooftop garden, and rainwater storage.
Ford Motor Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan
When this powerful American automobile company decided to go green, they went all the way, installing a 10.4-acre "living roof" that absorbs rainwater and carbon dioxide, reduces energy costs, and lasts twice as long as a regular roof. In fact, Dearborn Truck Plant's living roof has earned a Guinness World Records? designation as the World's Largest Living Roof!
Have an example of an area in America that's gone green? Please share with us in the forums.
