A research team at Cartridge Save released the data from their recent study that revealed the greenest states in the US, with South Dakota taking the top spot.
The study analyzed factors such as air and water quality, renewable energy consumption, pounds per capita recycled, GHG Emissions, number of national parks, average commute time by car, registered electric vehicles and proportion of farmland area to determine the rankings. Each factor was given a numerical value to determine which states made the most effort to reduce carbon footprint, protect natural resources, and promote a greener way of life for residents.
1. South Dakota
South Dakota shines as a leader in sustainability and took the crown as the greenest US state in the nation. The state has the lowest energy consumption per capita, exceptional water quality and the shortest average commute times nationwide.
The state boasts vast farmlands, ranking third in the nation for the proportion of land dedicated to agriculture. Nature enthusiasts will also appreciate South Dakota's park system, tying for sixth place in the number of parks nationwide. Furthermore, the state demonstrates its commitment to sustainability by keeping its greenhouse gas emissions low, ranking sixth in the country.
While South Dakota excels in several areas of environmental performance, there are some areas for improvement. The state's adoption of electric vehicles is currently lower than average, ranking 44th nationwide. Similarly, there's potential to boost recycling rates, which currently sit at 27th in the country.
2. Oregon
Oregon ranked second place as the greenest US state. It has the third-lowest energy consumption and ranks third for water quality. Additionally, Oregon ranks fourth for both air quality and electric vehicle adoption.
Oregon also ranks well for recycling (sixth) and has an abundance of parks (seventh). However, the state has a lower proportion of farmland relative to its total size (ranking 33rd nationally).
3. Iowa
Iowa emerged as the third-greenest state in the US. It boasts low energy consumption (fifth lowest per capita), a high recycling rate (fifth-highest nationally) and vast farmlands (accounting for the fifth-largest portion of its land area).
Iowa's sustainability efforts extend beyond energy and recycling. The state also has a high number of parks that people can enjoy (eighth highest nationwide) and relatively short commutes (ranking seventh in this category). However, there are areas for improvement. Iowa has a low adoption rate of EVs (ranking 39th), relatively high GHG emissions (ranking 27th) and medium water quality (ranking 22nd).
Related: Green Strategies that Support Long-Term Sustainability
4. Hawaii
Hawaii secured the fourth spot among the greenest US states. It boasts the best air quality and ranked fourth for water quality. Additionally, the state is ranked in the third-highest spot for electric vehicle adoption, enjoys an abundance of parkland (ranking sixth) and contributes minimally to greenhouse gas emissions (ranked seventh).
However, commute times in Hawaii tend to be longer (ranking 37th nationally) and the state has a relatively low proportion of farmland compared to its size (ranking 32nd).
5. Maine
Maine shines as a leader in environmental responsibility, taking the fifth spot in this list. It boasts the top spot nationally for recycling, processing an impressive 285 pounds per capita annually. Additionally, the state ranked fifth in both renewable energy consumption and air quality.
While there's room for improvement in electric vehicle adoption, Maine offers residents a chance to live in a state committed to sustainability. This dedication to the environment is evident in Acadia National Park, a haven with mountains, lakes and pristine coastlines.
The Top 10 Continued
North Dakota stands out for its environmental quality, securing the number two spot for both water quality and proportion of farmland. It also boasts a quick average commute time, ranking second nationally at just under 18 minutes by car. Additionally, North Dakota ranks well for air quality (seventh) and renewable energy consumption (8th).
Washington ranked seventh on this list of greenest states. A key factor that shot Washington to the top is its exceptional performance in clean energy. The state boasts the second-highest number of EVs registered per capita, with a whopping 1,798.9 per 100,000 people, and also ranks second in renewable energy consumption. Washington also excels in air quality, taking the third spot.
Nebraska came next in eighth place. The state boasts the top spot for the proportion of farmland, showcasing its vast agricultural lands. Residents also enjoy a quick commute, ranking fifth nationally with an average of 19.1 minutes by car. Nebraska also ranks well for air quality, ranking sixth, and renewable energy consumption, coming in at eleventh.
Ranking ninth among the greenest states, Montana excels in several areas. The state leverages its resources, ranking seventh for renewable energy consumption, likely due to its strong wind power production. It also boasts impressive water quality and a significant proportion of farmland, both ranking 10th nationally.
Kansas rounds out the top ten. The Sunflower State’s commuters enjoy a short average travel time, ranking 8th nationally at 19.7 minutes by car. The state also holds its own in recycling and boasts good water quality, ranking 13th.
