16. Cleveland, OH

Since hiring its first sustainability program manager in 2005, the city of Cleveland has worked to improve itself across the sustainable-spectrum. And the Rustbelt city has done a heck of a job, taking a giant leap up SustainLane's charts this year. Even if improved reporting is largely responsible for the gain, that's a sign Cleveland is taking its ecological health seriously. And speaking of health, Clevelanders should have ample opportunity to eat right, with 225 community gardens and 25 for-profit farms within the city limits... and more on the way, thanks to a new zoning classification for the Urban Garden District. Perhaps one of the most exciting developments is the city's participation in an effort to start an offshore wind farm on Lake Erie. If this project flies, it'll help Cleveland's energy utility to source 25 percent of its power from renewable sources by 2020. An even simpler step Cleveland could take? Offer residents curbside recycling.

(Photo by Spatulated)