Local governments in the western part of the country are the most likely to have taken concrete actions to make their communities more sustainable, according to a survey conducted by Arizona State University. Western communities are most active in regard to measures related to water, vehicles and lighting, transportation alternatives, and transportation improvements.
The survey asked about 109 different activities divided into 12 major categories. It used the responses to derive an overall measure of a local government’s activity level—a total sustainability action rating—based on the level of activity in those areas.
The most commonly adopted steps to make a place more sustainable are:
· Residential recycling collection
· Internal governmental recycling
· Construction of bike and walking trails
· Recycling household hazardous waste and electronic equipment
· Conducting energy audits and improve the efficiency of office lighting in government buildings
· Purchasing fuel-efficient vehicles
The full report, including details on adoption of all 109 activities, can be downloaded by clicking here.
The full article is featured in the September/October issue of Sustainable Communities magazine, you can download the full magazine for $12, or become a member of PSC and receive both print and downloadable copies of Sustainable Communities magazine 6 times a year, plus all of the other benefits of membership.
