Green Options…Green Cities

Reykjavik

We always find ourselves in a moment of contemplation of the nature, especially now that autumn made its way to becoming the landlady of the season. We look and linger in our memory the image of leaves falling down from trees, the fantastic spectrum of colors starting from yellow and ending up with brown and reddish nuances. Yet, is this enough to call your city green? I would openly say it doesn’t. There are some cities where one can say that green is all around him.

The land of fire and ice hosts now one of the most marvelous green cities of the world.The country’s determination in reducing energy consumption and embracing green living lifestyles, has brought Reykjavik on the top of the list, a list mentioning the most beautiful environmentally speaking cities.

With only about 115,000 people living in the city, Reykjavik ,the northernmost European capital, is a small city, yet with significant accomplishments, being considered to be one of the greenest cities from the entire world. This probably comes as a boost given to Iceland and its ambitious target regarding the gaining of independence when it comes to utilizing fossil fuels. The established deadline for this to be achieved is the year 2050. And we can say that the country is on the right track, because both the Reykjavik and the rest of the country  already get all heating and electricity through renewable methods that do not affect the environment.

Despite the fact that Iceland shows a high consumption of energy, this energy is mainly covered by geothermal and hydroelectric stations.The high consumption of energy can be put to the fact that Iceland invested great amounts of money in heavy industry and fishing industry.

Yet, Iceland seems to have been favored by gods too, and this due to its geological position, because otherwise it would have been pretty difficult to make possible the generation of geothermal energy.

Waterfalls, volcanoes, geysers and hot springs provide abundant electricity and hot water.

And it is probably due to the natural resources hosted by Iceland that geothermal energy is rather cheap in this country and as such it is used also in heating the sidewalks in winter.

Who would not want to experience this? Yet, it is their merit as they use wisely their natural resources, turning the city of Reykjavik into one of the healthiest ones, contributing to the protection of the environment.

Moreover, Reykjavik has been long recognized as the largest user of geothermal energy in the world.  It seems the city is determined to become one of the best places to live in, the greenest, the best when it comes to eco-environment.

Green Roof

Eco means of transportation are being encouraged in Reykjavik and this can be clearly seen in the fact that one can see hydrogen powered buses circulating across the streets of the city. Militating for a healthy style of life the city hall encouraged cycling this year, approving a Cycling Plan, which provides improved conditions and facilitates access to cyclists.

And all these efforts were made for a good cause. Taking into account such criteria as the efforts made to combat global warming, implementing a system of low carbon emission transport, promoting sustainable land use, improving air quality, efficient use of water, one can clearly notice the fact that Reykjavik has long left behind the name “Bay steaming” and can now be considered to be one of the least polluted capitals around the world.

Another city well known for its love for green is Malmo.Being situated in Sweden, it is well known for its parks and its proximity to the sea. Furthermore, it is the work of many people contributing to the healthier environment. The town’s willingness to integrate the green in the urban environment can be clearly seen when looking at the green roofs and the organic gardening activities.

When it comes to green roofs, besides the aesthetic role given to them, they also help reducing flood and rainwater filtration, providing insulation as well. They may as well improve air quality and as such they come to be an excellent solution to improving environmental conditions.

Have you ever thought that storm water management would help improve your city’s life? Well, the authorities in Malmo, clearly thought about it, as they decided to filter rainwater thus relying less on the city’s water treatment system.

Have you ever thought about trying to find green simple solutions for a green style of life?How about planting trees and organizing an organic garden?Do these things sound green enough to you?

All these solutions were embraced by the people living in Malmo.

Easy solutions that might ease the burden we place every day on the surrounding nature.

Another city which is well known for its surroundings, becoming popular as one of the most pleasurable and peaceful cities to live in France, Nantes can pride itself with its buses running on natural gas, as well as with its skateboarding park situated near the heart of the town.

Therefore, all the cities tried to take a step forward and help the environment and as things prove it, they even managed to do this. So far, Northern cities seem to have taken the first places, yet the list also comprises Barcelona, a city which highly promotes solar energy and long walks.You most probably visited Barcelona and enjoyed its beauties, and in case you haven’t then i highly advise you to do this.

Yet, you should also try and find out a solution to make your own city a green one and thus include it on your list of cities worth being visited.11