In today’s rapidly changing scenario, its not easy being green especially for a city. When every big city in today’s world, is facing tough challenges to cope up with the endless trash, traffic and pollution, Portland, a Northwestern city of United State of America is an exception.
Portland is situated at the union of Willamette river and Columbia river in the State of Oregon. This is very unique and special in compare to all its counterparts. It is the most affordable and accessible city of America, whose main priority is sustainable living. This city is renowned all over the world for its good public transportation, smart recycling programs and the kind of well-kept streets, parks and playgrounds that makes it a fun and healthy place to live. More than 30 years ago, when other cities were involved in a freeway-building frenzy, Portland broke ranks and tore down a six-lane express way to build a waterfront park.
This set an example of Portland’s principle to protect the “Mother nature” and to provide its citizen the basic requirement of a healthy living. Portland city has set an urban growth boundary to protect 25 million acres of forest and farmland. Started a program to recycle more than half of the solid waste trash and constructed buildings that meet tough standards set by the United States Green Building Council. Portland is designated as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the US. Portland is also famous for Forest park which has 74 miles of running, hiking and biking trails.
On the basis of electricity use, transportation habits, ‘green living’ and recycling habits, Portland has won the prestigious title of “America’s Greenest city” given by “SustainLane” magazine.
Half of the power generated in Portland comes from renewable sources and quarter of its citizens commutes by bike or by pubic transportation. It has 35 buildings which are certified by the U.S Green Building Council. It has a well planned recycle program to recycle the solid waste thrash. Also its citizens are more conscious about the environment related issues.
Another recent achievement of Portland is that it is considered as the next city to organize the esteem conference of “Eco tourism and sustainable tourism 2009″. The “International Society of Eco tourism” has decided to conduct fourth Eco tourism conference from November 2nd to 4th here in Portland as this city offers an unique opportunity for the conference-goers to learn by experience. The main objective of this year ’s Eco Tourism Conference is to promote effective ways to utilize the sustainable tourism community’s experience and expertise to tackle some of the critical challenges which the tourism industry often faces.
About the Author:
I have completed my masters from Assam University. I am voracious reader and love to write on the topics related to nature, environment, exotic locations.Currently, I am working on the ecoindia.com ecoindia.com
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Portland-America’s Greenest city
PDC Bike Challenge 2007
