Report Highlights Green Cities

The Urban Environment Report, put out by the Washington, D.C.-based Earth Day Network, ranks 72 U.S. cities on their greenness and contains a "vulnerable population index" that takes into account the segment of a city's population that is most susceptible to environmental changes including the unemployed and uninsured. "This study is the first of its kind, not only because of the sheer quantity of environmental data analyzed, but also because it redefines the term 'environmental' to include public health, poverty, education, and other quality-of-life issues," said Earth Day Network President Kathleen Rogers. Other factors studied include climate-change action, air quality, transportation, toxics, and human health. Topping the list of green go-getters is Fargo, ND, with Burlington, VT, Portland, OR, and Colorado Springs, CO, close behind. Languishing at the bottom: El Paso, Cleveland, Miami, and Detroit.

Los Angeles ranked as worst (of 72 cities) with regard to "Drinking & Surface Water" and near the bottom for "Quality of Life" and "Air Quality".

As one of Santa Barbara's greenest companies, NWA applaudes the efforts of those cities making an effort toward a sustainable world. We tirelessly promote "green" practices with our residential, commercial and city clients.

More on this report...