Taking advantage of all this doesn't necessarily mean living unsustainably. In fact, there are ecologists, biologists, and anthropologists who consider cities an excellent solution—provided that city dwellers and urban planners implement some important suggestions.
Urban planning for the big city: The living of the future will take place in high-rise buildings
Given the aspirations of young families in particular to own a home with a garden and thus a "piece of nature" on their doorstep, it may seem paradoxical – but sustainability researchers prefer high-rise buildings. The reason is obvious: less space is used and sealed, and communal use of living space facilitates the implementation of amenities such as laundry and drying rooms. The energy efficiency of multi-story buildings is also significantly higher than that of detached houses, as less overall insulation is needed to achieve a comparable effect. This model of a "house community" is perfectly exemplified in the town of Whittier, Alaska. There, more than 200 residents live in a single townhouse under one roof – complete with a supermarket, school, church, and restaurants.
Image: Green in a row.
Small habits for “green” city life
It doesn't have to be a life like Whittier—the average city dweller can significantly reduce their ecological footprint with a few simple everyday tricks and enjoy the joys of city life even more. We present the best tips.
1) Public transport – one of the city’s advantages
Anyone who lives in a city and drives a car can tell you how much time they waste in regular traffic jams and searching for parking. But there are alternatives: In many major cities, most destinations are easily accessible by public transportation, and trains provide connections to other parts of the country. Travel passes reduce costs, and certain segments of the population, such as schoolchildren and students or senior citizens, benefit from special discounts. Get in, relax, and arrive without stress.
A more dynamic option is to bring your own or rent a bike. With a bike, you're independent of public transport schedules. Thanks to convenient rent-a-bike options in major cities, you don't even have to buy a bike; you can often even use it for free for activities and excursions. Registration via app or chip card is straightforward and provides access to a different, more sustainable form of mobility.
2) Shop seasonally and garden urban
Living in the city doesn't mean being dependent on packaged food from the supermarket. Farmers' markets and grocery stores are increasingly promoting the concept of shopping at Kilometer Zero – here, you can find locally sourced and seasonal produce. They haven't traveled far, are ultra-fresh, and often come from sustainable sources – whet your appetite for cooking and feasting à la saison.
The idea can be taken a step further – with gardening in urban spaces. Urban gardening is a trend for anyone who wants to live sustainably, and it's also fun. Allotment gardens or unused brownfield sites are ideal for gardening projects that focus not only on growing crops but also on fostering a sense of community.
3) Recycle more, throw away less
Even in a big city, you can make your consumption much more sustainable by avoiding disposable items – and give everyday items a second life. Secondhand clothing stores, repair cafés, and similar offerings are actually quite exciting once you accept the fact that you can refurbish electronics, shoes, and clothing in just a few simple steps.
4) Reduce energy consumption
When calculated for each individual citizen, the energy footprint of most Western industrialized countries is extremely high. Those who largely or completely forgo their cars have already made considerable savings, but even within their own four walls, there is still much that can be done to optimize energy efficiency. High-quality energy-saving light bulbs with LED technology may cost more to purchase than halogen bulbs, but they are extremely economical and long-lasting.
Another aspect is the use of electrical appliances. Not everything in the household requires another gadget, which not only consumes energy during operation, but also consumes resources during manufacturing and shipping. Complete abstinence is by no means necessary, but considering how bright, warm, and stylish your home really needs to be is a first step – those who implement it will, of course, also enjoy lower utility bills in the long run.
Image: Zurich is also conquered by nature in spring.
