A city that is environmentally friendly ranks high on the lists of best places to live not only because it is a pretty city, but because pollution can cause health problems. Children who grow up in smoggy cities often suffer from asthma as well incidences of cancer and respiratory problems are often higher in those cities. Greener cities are healthier cities and health is a major factor when considering what city is the best to live in.
A greener city is also one that has a good parks system; natural areas not only make the city greener by cleaning the air, they also help people to reduce their levels of stress.
If your city does not have a recycling program you can encourage your city council and mayor to get such a program implemented.