18. Albuquerque, NM

Making a U-Turn

Albuquerque, NM: Making a U-Turn

Set in the upper reaches of the Chihuahuan Desert, Albuquerque ranks highest among the desert cities in SustainLane’s 2008 rankings. Mayor Martin Chavez is leading the green charge with strong public commitment to AlbuquerqueGreen, the city’s comprehensive sustainability plan. We’re particularly fond of the Duke City’s interactive website outlining green goals and accomplishments, among them: 20 percent of city government’s electricity comes from wind, parking at city meters is free for hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles, and more than 300 bike lockers have been installed. Locals here bask under an average of 300 sunny skies a year—and though there are plans afoot to heat five city swimming pools with energy from the sun, solar power represents vast, barely-tapped renewable energy potential for Albuquerque.

A bird's eye view of Albuquerque (Photo by Ron Reiring )

Albuquerque's Rankings

Albuquerque sustainlability rankings chart Cities are ranked relative to each other. A longer bar denotes a higher ranking.
Albuquerque, NM: City Chart

City Study 2008: Albuquerque Articles

Disposable Diaper Guilt Plagues Albuquerque Resident

Disposable Diaper Guilt Plagues Albuquerque Resident

Submitted by Lorraine Baiardo

As a new mom, I feel extremely guilty about using disposable diapers. I know how bad they are for the environment, and I’ve had trouble finding a practical solution to this issue that fits within my financial means. I looked into diapers services in this city, and there is only one, and it is a pretty penny per month. I also looked into buying washable diapers, and it was going to cost me about 500 dollars to get 12 diapers to use during my baby’s first three months (I was going through close to 12 diapers a day). Then I would have been consuming more water by using the washing machine 24-7 in the desert that is Albuquerque, NM.more »

Get Started

Write a Review Post to SustainLane Add Green Products & Businesses
more »

Albuquerque Talk

Derek F.

Discussion: Ramblin Wood

I just assembled a full-size Taos Sleigh Bed and it's probably one of the sturdiest bed frames I've ever seen so I have no idea what the issue was with the King platform bed, maybe... more »

Kerri M.

Review of Ramblin Wood

5 star rating

We love our bed! The thing I love about our Ramblinwood bed is that it is just what I wanted...choose my wood, choose the headboard, the footboard, the height, all completely up to me. I also love... more »

Derek F.

Review of Ramblin Wood

5 star rating

Ramblin Wood My mother-in-law bought a Taos Sleigh Bed, plaform bed frame from Ramblin Wood, and asked me to put it together for her. It was the easiest job she has ever asked me to do for her... more »

Cities Compared
Cities Compared: Desert Cities

Cities Compared: Desert Cities

How does climate affect how cities perform? Take a look at how Desert cities measure up relative to each other.

Another flaw in the human character is that everyone wants to build, but nobody wants to do maintenance. —Kurt Vonnegut

Advertisement

Sign up for updates

US City Rankings, next edition!

Find local green businesses near you.

community-powered to help you live green.