12. Milwaukee, WI

From Beer to Biomass

Milwaukee, MI: From Beer to Biomass

Since Milwaukee inaugurated its first office of sustainability in 2006, green momentum in the Midwestern city has picked up steam. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has invested in New Urbanist redevelopment, consciously folding sustainability into it’s planning and design (one green public housing development nabbed a Sierra Club honor in 2005). It has also taken great care to manage storm water and reduce runoff into the lake and area rivers. And that’s not all: In 2006, five percent of its fleet vehicles ran on alternative energy. A year later, more than 40 percent of the city's fleet are powered by alternative fuel. A 2006 energy audit of the City Hall complex led to power-saving measures that reduced energy use there by nine percent and saved the city $35,000 in one year. The city also has public outreach campaigns for recycling, composting, and water conservation. The city’s updated bike plan may help get the near-75 percent of car commuters heading out to work…riding their bikes instead!

Milwaukee, MI: City Charts

City Study 2008: Milwaukee Articles

Living Small in Milwaukee

Living Small in Milwaukee

Submitted by Mali Anderson

Here are some typical sights on my block of Milwaukee, WI. There are old cars in garages being souped up hobbyist mechanics who blare rock and roll music. There are lawns that are too green, too lush and require chemicals and noisy machines to maintain. Ladies stand on the sod, gossiping over backyard fences, lighting one cigarette after another. And there is one woman who actually vacuums birdseed off of her lawn. Those birds are just way too messy for her. These are the things I see daily.more »

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Green Biz in Milwaukee

Outpost Natural Foods Cooperative

Outpost Natural Foods Cooperative

Milwaukee's best natural foods grocer.

4 star rating Review by Marie B.

Former Member- Outpost Foods

As a former owner of Outpost Foods, I have to say since Whole Foods came to Milwaukee they beat Outpost hands down. Although some prices are higher that Outpost member sales, the service, atmosphere... more »

Future Green

Future Green

Organic, Fair Trade, nontoxic products.

5 star rating Review by Paula Z.

Forever 5 Stars Future Green!

I have shopped at F.G. since it opened and have hosted Swee and Lisa at the Mitchell Park Domes for Rainforest Night (a family event). Everyone that attended learned a great deal from them and had... more »

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's

Grocery store chain.

5 star rating Review by Ali C.

The Full Grocery Experience

Trader Joes is not only a grocery store, but a place to help encourage and sustain a healthy life style. I have always found friendly people in the store who are willing to help me find what I am... more »

Cities Compared
Cities Compared: Coastal vs. Inland Cities

Cities Compared: Coastal vs. Inland Cities

How does being near a coast affect how cities perform? Take a look at how coastal cities compare to inland ones.

Seattle is at the forefront of all things Green. Our city has worked very hard to be #1 in Energy and Climate Change Policy and Innovation, and we're proud to be among the leaders in LEED Certified Buildings and the development of a Green Economy. These rankings provide the platform for friendly competition and a baseline for success. However, for us to be successful in the fight against Global Climate Change, every city has to embrace sustainable ideas such as smart growth, innovation, and progressive policy. Seattle is committed to do its part. —Mayor Greg Nickels, Seattle

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