Last month we disparaged states for poor environmental sustainability. It seems only fair that we now look at where they excel. To allow for comparisons to last month’s map this post takes a pretty broad view of sustainability. Beyond the environment it includes many human health measures. As a result our featured map includes attributes that are – pardon the pun – all over the map.
That said our map comes courtesy of Sustainable Cities Collective.
Given the breadth of traits covered, I thought it might be helpful to provide some of my vaunted off the cuff analysis. Unfortunately deep scientific analysis is boring to most readers (and beyond my abilities). So instead I’m handing out awards to states with notable achievements.
Sustainability Awards
Most Ironic – Texas for having the most wind power.
Best Dentists – Connecticut for the cleanest teeth.
Coolest – New Mexico and its first commercial spaceport.
Most Obscure – Montana with the most acres of organic lentils.
Biggest Surprise – Oklahoma has the most alt-fuel cars per capita.
In keeping with the times where everyone must get an award, some states were recognized for dubious achievements.
Not Quite Awards
Arizona for most solar power potential.
Missouri for having the most Ozarks
Alaska with the most wetlands.
Arkansas’s first US national river.
Indiana is noted for the burial place of Johnny Appleseed.
As with many contests a few of the categories were simply too close to call. Please feel free to offer your suggestions on these ties in the comments section.
Toss-up Awards
Most Fit – Minnesota with the top exercise rate or Colorado with the lowest obesity?
Best Underground Achievement – Kentucky’s longest cave, Tennessee with the most caves, or West Virginia with the highest paid coal miners?
Most controversial for the greens – Illinois with the most nuclear power or South Carolina with the most nuclear power per capita?
Best tourist slogan – Pennsylvania’s most organic mushrooms or Utah’s highest breast-feeding rate.
Please suggest your own awards in the comments section.
As always thanks for reading.
Armen
Note to pay the bills: While they’re not overtly environmental, the books in the Misaligned Series do integrate interesting environmental facts and issues into the story. Phenomenon like the migration of the monarch butterflies and lake effect snow play important roles in the first book. If that peaks your interest, check out a summary of the series here or find links to purchase books here.
