Here's your chance not just to be the mayor, but the original city planner as well! Imagine a medium sized city that would be developed with modern, low carbon transportation in mind, and other strategies to reduce the average citizens' carbon footprints.
What would that city look like? Would that make you more likely to want to live there?
Sustainable City >
The Sustainable City
If I were to make my own sustainable city, I would first address all the main factors that contribute to carbon emissions.
Firstly, I would connect the town by an underground electromagnetic speed train, much like the one that TESLA has brainstormed on (http://www.teslamotors.com/blog/hyperloop). I would also, alongside every road and sidewalk, create an easily accessible bike lane. This would not only increase the efficiency of biking, but also the safety. Furthermore, I would pass a law stating that anyone who has to drive more than 15 miles to work each day must carpool, so as to save gas. Not only does this decrease travel times, but this also increases the importance of biking.
Secondly, I would ban all plastic bags and plastic water bottles. I would also limit the amount of trash cans throughout the city, and instead fill the city with recycling and compost. I would also encourage bringing in reusable bottles and bags by providing discounts for those that did.
Thirdly, I would disallow fast food restaurants from entering the city. These businesses are some of the largest producers of cow induced methane emissions. Without quick and easy food, it is more likely that citizens will think about their health, and try to follow a more environmentally sustainable diet.
Finally, I would limit the amount of water each family got, taxing the families more and more after each gallon that goes over. I would also limit electricity to each house, and tax those that left their lights on while they were not at home.
You made some really good points Sarah. I really like the idea of having a biker friendly lane, this could really increase the number of people biking. I think parents would be a lot less hesitant about their children biking if they knew they would be somewhat protected. I also like the idea of the underground train, it reminds me a lot of the metro trains they have in Washington D.C., which are very practical. I think that some of your rules might be a little harsh, and maybe instead of punishing people for doing stuff, you should reward them for not doing stuff, or vise versa. For example instead of banning all plastic water bottles, you could give some sort of reward to whoever uses disposable water bottle. This would also get more people living in your city and therefore make the world a more eco-friendly place!