Top 5 Greenest States in America

Greenest States in America



The United States of America is home to many of the most popular tourist spots. Between Washington D.C. to New York City to the Las Vegas strip to New Orleans, both citizens and foreigners alike are frequenting our most busiest states but are these states environmentally friendly?  The most important step that any person can take in helping to protect this planet is by living a life that is wholly green and that includes the places that you live or frequent. So what are the greenest states in the great USofA?  If you’ve been wondering where in the United States you should be heading to next, you’re going to need to check out the list below.  Our favorite personal finance website, Wallethub, took on the task of comparing and highlighting the greenest or most environmentally friendly states in America. Now for a drumroll please:


1.) Vermont - Vermont has the most organic farm acreage per capita, simply stated.  The most important feature of an organic farm is the lack of use of pesticides.  Pesticides have very toxic effects on humans, the environment and other living organisms. They contribute to a host of diseases such as cancer (breast and prostate), Parkinson’s, while also contributing to reproductive farm. Vermont is home to some of the best organic farms such as Hartshorne Farm, Clear Brook Farm and Footbrooke Farm.  Along with having the most organic farming acreage per capita, Vermont has the lowest carbon dioxide emissions per capita and is the most environmentally friendly state for alternative fuel usage. The living is right in Vermont! This is one state that you must head to if you are a lover of the green life.


  Photo by ShiranPasternak, (CC BY-SA 2.0)


2.) Hawaii - Hawaii also known as “The Aloha State” is the second least polluted state.  This state has one of the lowest overall energy consumption per capital as well as the second lowest fuel and gas consumption which is due to the statewide public transportation system.  The number of residential solar powered installation is the highest within the nation.  A few years ago, the Green News Guide, named Hawaii (Kohala Coast) as a top green vacation destination.  View the Top Five Green Vacation Spots right here:  "Green Vacation Spots"


                                    “Hawaii” by Betsy Weber, CC BY 2.0


3.) California - The state of California has the fifth lowest gasoline consumption per capital and the reason why is because 33% of the population there uses some form of green transportation to get around.  Individuals in California rely on public transportation, biking, walking and carpooling to get to where they need to be.  Another reason may be that almost every driver in California may own an electric vehicle of some sort.  California is run by a very environmentally considerate governor named, Mr. Gavin Newsome.  During his tenure as governor, he has actively worked to expand the Golden state’s renewable energy infrastructure.  He’s focused heavily on the acceleration of the state’s move to zero emission vehicles when introducing laws that will ban the sales of gas powered automobiles by 2035.  Newsome has established the Salton Sea Conservancy which is set to conserve 30% of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030.  Lastly, Mr. Newsome initiated a phaseout of oil fracking, banning the construction of new oil wells near homes and schools. California currently has the highest energy efficiency consumption of all states.


        “The Golden Gate Bridge and the rainbow” by Vee, CC BY 2.0


4.) New York - New York is home and it had better made the top 5 greenest state list! One would think that New York is the most polluted states of all but it is actually one of the greenest.  Thanks to the Climate mobilization Act, the city has implemented strict green building laws which have led to huge reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.  The New York Restoration project has planted over 750,000 new trees and 300 new gardens to improve our air quality. Our aim is to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.  As a lifelong New Yorker, I’ve seen first hand improvement that the state has made to the climate and energy sectors. Gone are the days of walking out of the bodega or corner store with a plastic bag containing your meal or groceries.  Thanks to the Climate Act of 2019, governing leadership has focused on aggressively tackling our climate and environmental problems.  New York is on the road to reach zero emission electricity by 2040.



       

          Photos by Mechelle Eleene




 5.) Washington - The state of Washington rounded out the top 5 of greenest states in America.  Thanks to the Washington Clean Energy Transformation Act, electric utilities had to phase out coal fired power by 2025.  The state is on the path to becoming clean energy neutral by 2030.  Like California, they’ve set goals to end the sale of gas powered automobiles by 2030.   New construction plans have phased out natural gas in favor of electric heat pumps.   Leadership in the state has proposed ideals and initiatives for Washington state to adopt 100% clean electricity by 2045.  Washington state’s infrastructure is now heavily dependent on hydropower as well as wind and solar power.  About 73% of the state’s energy production is renewable.  Washington was nicknamed the “Evergreen” state and they are certainly living up to that moniker!  If you happen to visit Seattle, be sure to visit Pike Place Market dubbed, “The Original Farmer’s Market.”  Pike Place Market spans 9 acres and is an amazing destination to discover local, artisan and sustainable made foods and produce.  I had a ball last time I went!






Want to see what number your state made? View the full list below:




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