32. Phoenix, AZ

Living in the Sunbelt might be great for outdoor recreation, but it poses a significant water resource challenge. One way Phoenix is facing down this challenge is by aggressively reusing its water: over 90 percent of the city’s wastewater is re-used. Residents here have curtailed their per-capita water consumption by more than 20 percent in the last ten years. And speaking of water, the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Project is returning a five-mile stretch of the Salt River, just south of the city, into a lush riparian corridor after being used as a dump site. Trails around the area are open to hikers, runners, horseback riders, and cyclists. Phoenix is taking advantage of its sunny climate by installing solar panels just about everywhere: homes, city building, even the top of parking shade canopies. These contribute an estimated 250,000 kilowats of power to the city each year. Another change to the urban landscape is a new light-rail line. The METRO is set to open in December 2008 and will help Phoenix residents cut down on car travel. There are also plans afoot to expand the service to connect Phoenix with neighboring Tempe and Mesa.

(Photo courtesty of the City of Phoenix)