It is well known that Portland is on the forefront of sustainable cities in America, but what makes it so special?
National Leader
Portland has received several national awards for its efforts in sustainability. It is usually ranked the most green city in the country because of its widespread uses of bicycling, renewable energy, and local food production. It has long pushed for its residents to recycle, reduce their carbon footprint, and use eco-friendly products.
In 1971 Oregon enacted its First Bottle Bill, which pushed for reduced litter, increased recycling, and reduced waste and bi-products. In 1987 the city of Portland adopted its first recycling system, which now reports recycling rates of 63% in the city, the highest percentage in the US. In 1993 Portland became the first city in the nation to enact a Global Warming Action Plan, which as of 2005 had reduced per capita greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5% while the national average increased 13% respectively. By 2000 the sustainability movement was strong enough in the city that it was able to create the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. This office was dedicated to developing green solutions "on issues as far ranging as comprehensive, neighborhood and environmental planning, urban design, waste reduction and recycling, energy efficiency, food, and solar technol
Portland has received several national awards for its efforts in sustainability. It is usually ranked the most green city in the country because of its widespread uses of bicycling, renewable energy, and local food production. It has long pushed for its residents to recycle, reduce their carbon footprint, and use eco-friendly products.
In 1971 Oregon enacted its First Bottle Bill, which pushed for reduced litter, increased recycling, and reduced waste and bi-products. In 1987 the city of Portland adopted its first recycling system, which now reports recycling rates of 63% in the city, the highest percentage in the US. In 1993 Portland became the first city in the nation to enact a Global Warming Action Plan, which as of 2005 had reduced per capita greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5% while the national average increased 13% respectively. By 2000 the sustainability movement was strong enough in the city that it was able to create the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. This office was dedicated to developing green solutions "on issues as far ranging as comprehensive, neighborhood and environmental planning, urban design, waste reduction and recycling, energy efficiency, food, and solar technol