Building Tomorrow: A Green City Blueprint for Simple and Sustainable Living

By Nami Kennedy

How can apathetic individuals cooperate with a healthy lifestyle that benefits everyone? It boils down to a correct understanding of reality that 99% of people have no access to.

I’m envisioning a city where bikes rule the roads, taking inspiration from places like Copenhagen. This city has special paths for bikes, making it easy for people to ride and helping the environment. It's not just good for the air, but it also makes everyone healthier and happier. According to a comprehensive study by the European Cyclists' Federation, commuting by bike generates zero emissions and is significantly more energy-efficient compared to car commuting. Biking produces only 21 grams of CO2 per passenger-kilometer, while a car produces an average of 271 grams. Additionally, the study found that the energy required to manufacture a bike is about 5% of that needed for a car, making biking a much more sustainable transportation choice.

Water is precious in this city, taking lessons from Japan. Imagine sinks on top of toilets—after washing hands, the water goes into the toilet. Japanese toilets with sinks on top can save a significant amount of water compared to regular toilets with separate sinks. According to a study by the Water Research Foundation, these integrated systems can reduce water usage by up to 30% per flush compared to conventional toilets and separate sink setups.

In this city, nothing is thrown away. Special places allow you to drop off old things, and some of them are transformed into clean energy. It's like turning your old dinner into a light for your room!

Buildings in this city are homes for nature. Imagine gardens on the roofs and walls covered in green plants. Smart materials are used to keep things good for the Earth. The buildings are like friends with nature, making the city a cool place to live.

Food in this city is all about being local and fresh. Little farms abound where people grow tasty fruits and veggies. Markets are buzzing places where you can buy this good food, and it's not just good for you but good for the Earth too.

But it's not just about things; it's about people working together. Gardens where everyone can help, parks where you can relax, and places where food scraps become good soil. Everyone learns how to live in a way that's good for the city and the Earth.

So, this dream city is simple. It's about using bikes, recycling, and eating good food. By doing these small things, we're not just dreaming of a city that's good for us; we're building it, one step, one bike ride, one garden at a time. It's a simple plan for a tomorrow where the city and the planet are happy and healthy.

And how do we turn apathetic individuals to cooperate with this healthy lifestyle that benefits everyone? It boils down to a correct understanding of reality, today 99% of people have no access to. If everyone had a chance to recognize how humans, animals, and our environment exist, everyone would be more than supportive, they would be actively pursuing this and looking for ways to make it better. To learn more, visit this page: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7157458/]. This article provides in-depth insights into how human activities impact Earth's environment, animals, and biodiversity.

Navigating a world steeped in convenience, embracing a sustainable lifestyle might seem like an uphill climb. However, the true beauty lies in the simplicity of our choices. Becoming stewards of our environment isn't merely a responsibility; it's a golden opportunity to mold a city that thrives in harmonious coexistence with nature. This isn't just an idealistic dream—it's a practical endeavor. Let's not merely dream of this green city; let's actively construct it, weaving a tapestry of sustainability that enriches not only our lives but also the very essence of the Earth.

Sources:

Chu, E. W., & Karr, J. R. (2016). Environmental Impact: Concept, Consequences, Measurement. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7157458/ 

How much CO2 does cycling really save?. European Cyclists’ Foundation. (2021). https://ecf.com/news-and-events/news/how-much-co2-does-cycling-really-save#:~:text=The%20production%20of%20a%20bicycle%20sets%20you%20back,diet%2C%20which%20is%20another%2016g%20per%20kilometer%20cycled. 

The Water Research Foundation. (2023). https://www.waterrf.org/