It was announced on Yahoo! as well as Forbes earlier this week that Rochester is ranked #7 on a list of “Fastest Recovering Cities” in the country. Rochester’s ranking is atrributed to a stable housing industry and diversification in green technologies. Specific examples cited in the report were the growing wind power industry sector as well as the diversification of the alternative fuel source industry.

I think this is a great idea for Rochester to be one of the leaders in green technologies. In fact, free of charge, here are my Top 10 additional ways Rochester can “Go Green”.

1. We can create or expand local businesses that build bikes with a windmill attached on the back so we can ride around town emission free (think fan boat with peddle power).

2. Instead of building a new bus terminal, Rochester should build new stables and go back to horse and buggy ( I mean it worked for Mom and Dad, right? Maybe more like Grandma and Grandpa.)

3. Free coffee handouts to anyone turning in five pieces of trash they picked up off of the ground.

4. Get ‘em started young by encouraging kids to build their own recycling stations that separates metal, glass, cardboard etc….Lego’s and erector sets acceptable.

5. Have that local bottle manufacturer that starts with an “N” expand from plastic into bottles made from old aluminum cans. If they still have a slight beer flavor…Bonus!

6. The government is giving tax breaks for new home buyers. How about the City of Rochester gives a tax break if you plant three trees in your yard, and if you can’t muster trees how about a six pack of 12-Horse Ale for a few flowers!

7. To make people realize how wasteful we can be, have a day where everything you want to throw out you have to carry around all day in a trash bag on your back. It could be called “Trash and Carry Day” and a cash bonus could be given to anyone who can still stand at the end of the day.

8. There are awards for everything nowadays, but what about “Recycler of the Year.” I never hear anyone brag they
received that. Rochester should create the “Rochester Recycler of the Year” award.

9. Local businesses can get tax breaks for lessoning their amount of waste and increasing what they can recycle.

10. Encourage local construction companies to renovate Rochester’s old downtown buildings. They can apply for financial assistance if they agree to build in green technologies.

What are some of your “Green” ideas for Rochester? I would love to hear them!