Are These The Most Sustainable Cities In the World?

Taking better care of the planet is essential if we want to avoid issues like climate change. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done, especially when one person alone cannot make the significant difference that the Earth needs. That doesn't mean things are hopeless, though - far from it.

Some parts of the world are making great strides toward improving how they contribute to the planet. From planting more greenery and recycling better to placing greater emphasis on vegan cooking, these sustainable cities are a shining example for all of us. If more places take the lead of some destinations, we could be looking at a greener, happier future.

Strasbourg, France, comes with a zero-waste initiative

Typically, Paris is the first place people think about when picturing France. However, you might want to consider looking further east to Strasbourg when traveling to this country. That's because it’s one of the most sustainable cities in the world. It has a zero-waste initiative with some interesting programs you don't see much of anywhere else, such as collecting biodegradable waste by bike. France as a whole does have some great sustainability measures, like forcing supermarkets to donate food to charities instead of throwing it away. However, the prevalence of eco-friendly accommodation and a greater focus on sustainability makes Strasbourg the place to be.

Sydney, Australia, is determined to make the place green

Anyone who loves a beach vacation probably doesn't need an excuse to visit Sydney. It's not just the great weather and gorgeous coastline that make this such a wonderful destination, though. Sydney is arguably one of the most sustainable cities in the world, thanks to their emphasis on making the space increasingly greener. From planting hundreds of trees every year to covering roofs and walls in greenery, this city is succeeding where plenty of others fail. The longer Sydney continues this sustainable strategy, the better chance the planet has of keeping rising temperatures at a more controllable level.

Copenhagen, Denmark, puts a lot of emphasis on cycling

Some of the most sustainable cities are ones that place a greater emphasis on cycling. After all, using a bike avoids the pollution that comes from cars, trains, and other vehicles. Copenhagen is such a city, with plenty of infrastructure here - like cycling superhighways and marked cycle lanes - to convince people to start pedaling more. This doesn't just benefit locals either, as Copenhagen also has plenty of affordable rental bikes available for those visiting the Danish city. As if all that wasn't amazing enough, they're aiming to become the first carbon-neutral capital city, with their deadline set as soon as 2025. Will they succeed with their ambitious plans?

Hong Kong, China, has one of the most efficient public network systems

Walking or cycling to places is an excellent way to be more sustainable. However, as this takes longer, it's not always an option. Just because we sometimes have to rely on other modes of transport doesn't mean sustainability has to go out the window. Just look at Hong Kong, which is home to some of the safest and most efficient public transport. So few people drive here, instead relying on vehicles like buses and trains to get around. Not only is this better for the environment, but the fact that it's safe, efficient, and relatively inexpensive means more people are convinced to use it.

Chiang Mai, Thailand, puts a lot of focus on food sustainability

Sustainability isn't just about planting more trees and reducing pollution. It's also about producing food that is safe and healthy, from avoiding various chemicals to reducing the impact on the environment. It also means reducing harm toward animals, which is partly why vegan dining is so popular. The more people that engage in a vegan diet, the more sustainable we become. Thankfully, cities like Chiang Mai in Thailand are already making excellent strides. Not only is this place home to a ton of vegan restaurants, but there's also a vegetarian festival every year.

San Francisco, United States, is one of the greenest cities in the world

The United States as a whole might not be the best country in the world for sustainability. However, that doesn't mean parts of the nation aren't succeeding. San Francisco, for instance, is one of the greenest cities, with 80% of waste being diverted from landfills. For several decades now, green initiatives have been making a positive change, from mandatory recycling to banning plastic bags. Places like the Argonaut Hotel stand out for emphasizing sustainability, with kitchen grease used for biofuel and disposable shampoo bottles a thing of the past. If more cities in the US start to follow San Francisco's example, this great nation could become very green indeed.

Don't be fooled; the world still has a long way to go if it wants to be sustainable. Even these cities have plenty of areas they can improve to ensure they're doing better by the planet. However, these places are excellent examples for the rest of the world to follow and could be the inspiration we need to start taking better care of Earth.