Preserving Our Environment
The Center of the Green Movement — Groundbreaking Practices Establish Lifestyle Standards
Boulder’s reputation as an environmental leader didn’t happen overnight or by accident. Since 1951, Boulder has instituted groundbreaking sustainable practices ensuring the preservation of its land and lifestyle. Federal research labs, an innovative university, self imposed taxation to purchase open space, curbside recycling, city-wide mandated residential green codes and a carbon taxare all firmly rooted into the community. Shopping malls have parking spots dedicated for hybrids, the soccer team is carbon-neutral, restaurants use locally-raised produce, and kindergarteners plant trees on Earth Day.
Here are more ways that Boulder is ensuring the preservation of its land and lifestyle…
- Smart Growth — There are 43,000 acres of open space in and around the city of Boulder. This land is preserved because Boulder residents approved a sales tax earmarked specifically to buy, manage and maintain open space. The residents made history in 1967 by being the first US city to tax itself for open space. Additionally, 65% of the land in Boulder County is protected from development. Boulder was also one of the first communities in the country to have curbside recycling
- Healthy Living — Boulder is full of trails, shops and food that support active lifestyles. There are 350 miles of dedicated bike lanes, routes, shoulders and paths in town. The largest concentration of natural-and organic-products companies in the country is found in Boulder. The Boulder County Farmers’ Market is the largest in the state and there are 70 organizations in town that embrace the idea of local, seasonal and artisanal cooking. There are over 70 Olympians living in Boulder County who are drawn to the area because of the supportive athletic culture.
- Climate Advancements — Hundreds of scientists collaborated with former Vice President Al Gore and were awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize on climate change. Nearly 40 of these scientists live and work in Boulder.
- Research Facilities — There are seven federal research labs and 3600 scientists in Boulder that focus on science, innovative technology and climate change. Additionally, the city itself will become a research facility as Xcel Energy and the city have partnered to create the nation’s first fully-integrated digital electricity system.
- Renewable Energy — Along the Pearl Street Mall, most of the shops and restaurants are powered by wind and the Wi-Fi is solar powered. The City of Boulder has 193 alternative fueled vehicles. Beginning in 2012, thousands of ConocoPhillips employees will come to Boulder to train at the company’s hub for research and development of renewable and alternative energy. The National Wind Technology Center is located six miles from Boulder and much of the wind industry’s success can be attributed to the research conducted at this facility.
For more information specifically regarding the environment, visit http://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/media/green
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