California's Sustainable History

The facts are clear: humanity needs to change the way that we use resources. If we continue to consume energy and resources at our present rate, we'll be stretched terribly thin in just a few decades. That’s why so many people have taken up the call of building green communities. The concept of green, also known as eco friendly, communities is based on sustainability. That means using resources in such a way that we’re not depleting the earth’s natural resources more than need be.

Green communities are often grass roots movements that start on the individual or small group level. The state of California, however, has been a leader in promoting green initiatives on a municipal and statewide level. This is particular true in the city of Los Angeles, which has been promoting green communities since the year 2003.

For instance, Los Angeles was the first city ever to apply LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards to buildings owned by the city. LEED is the standard for building eco friendly communities and buildings, and the city sets an example for its citizens by supporting these specifications. The LA Convention Center is a perfect example of this. It stands as the country’s largest solar powered building. Furthermore, a full 10% of Los Angeles’ total energy produces comes from clean, sustainable sources such as wind and solar power.

Los Angeles’ Department of Water and Power has also played a big role. They are one of the leaders in the country in the realms of solar power and recycling, and they encourage the idea of green communities in the citizenry as well. For example, they give rebates to people who install special water-efficient washing machines, and offer other incentives to people who use clean power sources.

Los Angeles supports the concept of green communities in other ways. Another example of this is supporting the use of hybrid vehicles, rather than traditional gas vehicle. Whenever a person drives a hybrid, they’re free to park at any meter in the city without having to pay a toll. It may be only a small perk to driving a hybrid vehicle, but it’s great way to reinforce the idea of green living.

Long a location to find the hottest fashions and other products, LA supports the sustainable communities concept even on that level. Many popular designers of clothing, furniture and more have turned to using sustainable materials. For instance, you can buy shoes made of tree sap, or furniture produced from recycled materials.

Los Angeles is also taking steps to reduce energy use of the air conditioners that are commonly used in the city’s warm climate. This initiative for green communities has already planted hundreds of thousands of trees for the purpose of shading residents from the hot California sun. The trees are free of charge and many different species are available for adding a touch of natural beauty to any home.

Los Angeles, California clearly takes the concept of sustainable communities seriously. They set a magnificent example for other cities nation- and world-wide to follow.

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