The Greenest U.S. Cities

The folks over at Mother Nature Network (formerly Plenty Magazine) are big on top-10 lists, kind of like the treehugger version of David Lettermen. They’ve recently written about 10 animals on the verge of extinction, and the top 10 organic fast-food restaurants. Now comes MNN’s editorial pick of the top 10 green U.S. cities.

Selections focused on the city's approach and effectiveness in reducing greenhouse gas emission. For example, how many LEED-certified building does the city have? How much green space? Does the city manage its waste in an environmentally responsible fashion? Are there independently owned retailers (hopefully stocking locally produced goods)? And what about effective public transportation options?

Northern California, in particular, came out smelling like an organic rose: three of the top 10 U.S. green cities were culled from the Bay Area. Speaking of roses, any guesses as to what city bloomed above all others? Find out here.

(Photo by Payton Chung via Flickr/Creative Commons)