The World’s Greenest Cities Series: San Francisco

The World’s Greenest Cities Series: San Francisco

San Francisco is one of America’s most eco-conscious cities. From strict environmental policies to an excellent recycling record, the city is leading the way when it comes to sustainability. Here’s why San Francisco is one of the world’s greenest cities.

It’s big on sustainable food

If you’re a vegan you’ll have no problem enjoying some delicious food in San Francisco. Vegan cuisine is huge and many of the city’s restaurants are on board. Many restaurants have a ‘farm to table’ approach and source most of their ingredients from local farms that grow and harvest food sustainably.

It’s striving to become waste-free

San Francisco aims to become waste-free by the end of 2020, and it’s already 80% there. Back in 2007, it was the first US city to ban plastic bags and offer compostable bags as an alternative. Shops, restaurants, and streets have waste containers where waste can be separated at source. In 2009, the city introduced the first large-scale food waste and composting programme in the country and this has resulted in 12% less greenhouse gas emissions being produced. Any compost produced is used to feed the crops on local farms.

It takes a sustainable approach to transport

More than half of the buses and trams that serve the city are zero emission, and the rest will move to hybrid diesel by next year.

It’s serious about conserving water

The city has made water conservation a priority for the past few decades. Residents have done their bit and have reduced their consumption to an average of 49 gallons per day, compared with the 100 gallon average in the rest of California. The authorities offer water-saving devices like more efficient shower heads to residents to assist their efforts.

It’s green-literally

There are around 30 miles of hiking trails in the city as well as parks which are adorned with wildflowers. There are guided walks available for visitors and residents alike. The authorities are in charge of many wildlife habit restoration projects and there are ample opportunities for residents to volunteer and do their bit for the natural environment.