{"id":27646,"date":"2025-07-09T11:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-09T14:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=27646"},"modified":"2025-08-20T13:05:20","modified_gmt":"2025-08-20T16:05:20","slug":"dirtiest-cities-in-united-states","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/studies\/dirtiest-cities-in-united-states\/","title":{"rendered":"2025\u2019s Dirtiest Cities in America"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>From the air we breathe to how trash and industrial pollution are managed, living in a healthy environment is key to maintaining both physical and mental well-being.<\/p>    <p>Which U.S. cities aren\u2019t so pristine? To find out, LawnStarter examined 20 metrics to rank 2025&#8217;s Dirtiest Cities in America.<\/p>    <p>Some surprising findings:<\/p>    <p>\ud83d\ude37 <strong>10 California cities<\/strong> tie for the <strong>worst median air quality<\/strong>.<\/p>    <p>\ud83d\udeb0 <strong>Only 39%<\/strong> of the cities in our ranking had <strong>no water quality violations<\/strong>.<\/p>    <p>\ud83d\ude99 An average of <strong>13.89%<\/strong> of residents in ranked cities <strong>live near high-traffic roadways<\/strong>.<\/p>    <p>See where your city scored in our ranking below. To learn how we ranked the cities, see our <a href=\"#methodology\">methodology<\/a>.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contents<\/h2>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"#top-five\">America&#8217;s 5 Dirtiest Cities<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#rankings\">City Rankings<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#key-insights\">Key Insights<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#least-dirty-cities\">10 Least Dirty Cities<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#metric-breakdown\">Infogram: Metric Breakdown<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#ask-the-experts\">Ask the Experts<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#methodology\">Methodology<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#final-thoughts\">Clean, Green Lawn Care<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"top-five\">America\u2019s 5 Dirtiest Cities<\/h2>    <p>Check out the slideshow below for highlights on each of America\u2019s top 5 dirtiest cities.<\/p>    <p><strong>1st = Dirtiest<\/strong><\/p>   <div style=\"min-height: 535px;; \" class=\"ub_image_slider swiper-container wp-block-ub-image-slider\" id=\"ub_image_slider_de2e2ca8-436d-4b06-91e6-58e36184e4f4\" data-swiper-data='{\"speed\":300,\"spaceBetween\":20,\"slidesPerView\":1,\"loop\":true,\"pagination\":{\"el\": \".swiper-pagination\" , \"type\": \"bullets\", \"clickable\":true},\"navigation\": {\"nextEl\": \".swiper-button-next\", \"prevEl\": \".swiper-button-prev\"}, \"keyboard\": { \"enabled\": true }, \"effect\": \"slide\",\"simulateTouch\":false}'>             <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Downtown_San_Bernardino-1.png\" alt=\"An aerial view of San Bernardino, California\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 1: (Again) <\/strong>San Bernardino, California | <strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>55.34<br><br><strong>Median Air Quality Index: <\/strong>97 | Rank: 1 (TIE)<br><strong>Near-Roadway Pollution: <\/strong>17.27% | Rank: 75<br><strong>Number of Junk Yards: <\/strong>12 | Rank: 37<br><strong>Share of Residents Dissatisfied with Pollution: <\/strong>75% | Rank: 1<br><br><strong>Local tips: <\/strong>Earlier this year, local college students collected around <a href=\"https:\/\/iecn.com\/csusb-students-remove-500-pounds-of-trash-from-santa-ana-river-urge-ie-residents-to-rethink-pollution\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">500 pounds of trash<\/a> from the Santa Ana River at a park nearby in Riverside (No. 23).\u00a0<br><br>On the bright side, a new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gosbcta.com\/project\/zero-emission-multiple-unit-zemu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">zero-emission passenger train<\/a> powered by hydrogen is currently being tested and may soon be ready to transport passengers around San Bernardino County.<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Downtown_San_Bernardino.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">House10902<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/1.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 1.0<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/AdobeStock_241694019-1.png\" alt=\"The Skyline of Los Angeles at Dusk\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 2: <\/strong>Los Angeles | <strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>49.79<br><br><strong>Median Air Quality Index: <\/strong>75 | Rank: 11<br><strong>Near-Roadway Pollution: <\/strong>39.29% | Rank: 4<br><strong>Share of Overcrowded Homes: <\/strong>11.14% | Rank: 3<br><strong>Share of Residents Dissatisfied with Pollution: <\/strong>50.62% | Rank: 12<br><br><strong>Local tips: <\/strong>Help keep the community clean by volunteering with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.echoparktrash.club\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Echo Park Trash Club<\/a> or at a beach cleanup with <a href=\"https:\/\/healthebay.org\/take-part\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Heal the Bay<\/a>.<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/search\/free?filters%5Bcontent_type%3Aphoto%5D=1&amp;filters%5Bcontent_type%3Aillustration%5D=1&amp;filters%5Bcontent_type%3Azip_vector%5D=1&amp;filters%5Bfree_collection%5D=1&amp;filters%5Bcontent_type%3Aimage%5D=1&amp;filters%5Bcontent_type%3Avideo%5D=0&amp;filters%5Bcontent_type%3Atemplate%5D=0&amp;filters%5Bcontent_type%3A3d%5D=0&amp;filters%5Bcontent_type%3Aaudio%5D=0&amp;filters%5Binclude_stock_enterprise%5D=0&amp;filters%5Bis_editorial%5D=0&amp;k=los+angeles&amp;order=relevance&amp;limit=100&amp;search_page=1&amp;search_type=usertyped&amp;acp=&amp;aco=los+angeles&amp;get_facets=1&amp;asset_id=241694019\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">susanne2688<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Detroit-Michigan-1.png\" alt=\"A view of the Detroit skyline at night\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 3: <\/strong>Detroit | <strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>49.72<br><br><strong>Median Air Quality Index: <\/strong>53 | Rank: 77<br><strong>RSEI Score: <\/strong>0.39 | Rank: 50<br><strong>Percentage of Smokers: <\/strong>23.8% | Rank: 4<br><strong>Share of Residents Dissatisfied with Pollution: <\/strong>54% | Rank: 9<br><br><strong>Local tips: <\/strong>Plan a community beautification and\/or cleanup project with <a href=\"https:\/\/detroitmi.gov\/departments\/department-neighborhoods\/motor-city-makeover\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Motor City Makeover 365<\/a> or get to work at an event hosted by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecleanupclub.org\/events\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Cleanup Club<\/a>.\u00a0<br><br>Photo Credit:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/jo\/search\/free?filters%5Bcontent_type%3Aphoto%5D=1&amp;filters%5Bcontent_type%3Aillustration%5D=1&amp;filters%5Bcontent_type%3Azip_vector%5D=1&amp;filters%5Bfree_collection%5D=1&amp;filters%5Bglobally_safe_collection%5D=1&amp;filters%5Bcontent_type%3Aimage%5D=1&amp;order=relevance&amp;safe_search=1&amp;k=detroit%2C+michigan&amp;limit=100&amp;search_page=1&amp;search_type=usertyped&amp;acp=&amp;get_facets=1&amp;asset_id=232403949\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">espiegle<\/a>\u00a0\/ Adobe Stock \/\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Downtown_reading-1.png\" alt=\"A view of downtown Reading, Pennsylvania\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 4: <\/strong>Reading, Pennsylvania | <strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>49.31<br><br><strong>Greenhouse-Gas Emissions (Metric Tons CO<sub>2<\/sub>e) per Capita: <\/strong>18.42 | Rank: 20<br><strong>RSEI Score: <\/strong>137.75 | Rank: 1<br><strong>Percentage of Smokers: <\/strong>21.2% | Rank: 9<br><strong>Number of Junk Yards: <\/strong>5 | Rank: 101<br><br><strong>Local tips: <\/strong>Reading has a goal to be powered by 100% renewable energy by 2050, starting with installing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.solarpowerworldonline.com\/2025\/03\/reading-pennsylvania-starts-work-on-sustainability-portfolio-that-includes-1-78-mw-of-solar\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">over 4,300 solar panels<\/a> by the end of 2026. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gba.org\/initiatives\/sustainable-and-resilient-communities\/resilient-communities-meadville-and-reading\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Green Building Alliance<\/a> has partnered with the city to help achieve that goal and bolster workforce training for green careers.\u00a0<br><br>Photo Credit:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Downtown_Reading_PA.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Smallbones<\/a>\u00a0\/ Wikimedia Commons \/ Public Domain<\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Ontario-Canada-1.png\" alt=\"An view of downtown Ontario, California\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 5: <\/strong>Ontario, California | <strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>48.2<br><br><strong>Median Air Quality Index: <\/strong>97 | Rank: 1 (TIE)<br><strong>Near-Roadway Pollution: <\/strong>23.07% | Rank: 38<br><strong>RSEI Score: <\/strong>0.4 | Rank: 48<br><strong>Share of Residents Dissatisfied with Pollution: <\/strong>60.71% | Rank: 6<br><br><strong>Local tips: <\/strong>Sustainable strides are being made in Ontario. The city is home to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.housingfinance.com\/developments\/vista-verde-a-sustainable-centerpiece-for-ontario-california_o\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">net-zero energy community<\/a> development with 101 units and an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.globaltrademag.com\/bollore-logistics-usa-expands-operations-with-eco-friendly-distribution-center-in-ontario-ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LEED-certified distribution center<\/a>.\u00a0<br><br>Some flights out of Ontario International Airport are now powered by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neste.com\/news\/neste-extends-sustainable-aviation-fuel-saf-supply-to-ontario-international-airport-through-deal-with-amazon-air\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sustainable aviation fuel<\/a>, which can reduce emissions by up to 80%.\u00a0<br><br>Residents can compost and grow (or buy) fresh produce at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.huertadelvalle.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Huerta del Valle<\/a>, Ontario\u2019s \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontarioca.gov\/about-ontario\/ontario-together\/frequently-asked-questions#:~:text=Green\/Food%20Waste%20Diversion%20Program%C2%A0%E2%80%93%20creation%20of%20the%20new%20%E2%80%9COntario%20Carbon%20Farm%E2%80%9D%20where%20non%2Dprofit%20partner%20Huerta%20del%20Valle%20Community%20Garden%20will%20take%20green\/food%20waste%20generated%20within%20the%20city%20and%20convert%20it%20to%20high%20quality%20compost.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">carbon farm<\/a>.\u201d<br><br>Photo Credit:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Downtown_Ontario_California_2018.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">U.S. Department of Agriculture<\/a>\u00a0\/ Wikimedia Commons \/ Public Domain<\/figcaption>             <\/figure><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div> <div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>         <\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"rankings\">City Rankings<\/h2>    <p>See how your city and others fared in our ranking:<\/p>   <div style=\"position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0px; padding: 72.5% 0px 0px; overflow: hidden; will-change: transform;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/fc41dcbc-d631-4ff4-b092-16b93d3ab8b3?src=embed&amp;embed_type=responsive_iframe\" title=\"LS: Ranking Table - 2025's Dirtiest Cities in America\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"fullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0px; left: 0px; border: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;\"><\/iframe><\/div>   <div style=\"position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0px; padding: 80.38% 0px 0px; overflow: hidden; will-change: transform;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/41b38a13-2466-4dc0-8d3b-45e4e2da8a34?src=embed&amp;embed_type=responsive_iframe\" title=\"LS: 2025's Dirtiest Cities in America\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"fullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0px; left: 0px; border: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;\"><\/iframe><\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-insights\">Key Insights<\/h2>    <p><strong>Inland Shipping Empire:<\/strong> <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/san-bernardino-ca-landscaping\">San Bernardino, California<\/a>,<\/strong> ranks as the <strong>dirtiest city<\/strong> for the 2nd year in a row. Out of the cities in our ranking, San Bernardino has the <strong>highest share<\/strong> of <strong>residents dissatisfied with pollution<\/strong> \u2014 75% \u2014 and ties with <strong>9 other California cities<\/strong> with the <strong>worst median air quality<\/strong>.<\/p>    <p>Research suggests nitrogen dioxide \u2014 a harmful pollutant \u2014 is around <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41467-024-50000-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">20% more prevalent<\/a> near warehouses. <strong>12 cities<\/strong> in San Bernardino County collectively have <a href=\"https:\/\/livinginlandmarketing.wordpress.com\/2021\/10\/09\/how-many-100000-square-foot-warehouses-are-in-your-city\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>over 850 large warehouses<\/strong><\/a> (100,000 sq ft or larger). The South Coast Air Quality Management District now requires large warehouses to make <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aqmd.gov\/home\/rules-compliance\/compliance\/waire-program\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sustainable investments<\/a> to offset pollution.<\/p>    <p>California has been leading the way in sustainable development, from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/california-green-lawn-care-law\/\">green lawn care<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/studies\/compost-survey\/#city-rankings\">composting<\/a> to electric energy and technology. However, earlier this year, the Golden State <a href=\"https:\/\/landline.media\/california-pulls-the-plug-on-electric-truck-mandate-for-large-fleets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>reversed<\/strong><\/a><strong> their \u201cclean fleets\u201d mandate for electric trucks<\/strong>. California still offers <a href=\"https:\/\/californiahvip.org\/vehicle-category\/heavy-duty\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">$120,000 incentives<\/a> for haulers looking to go electric.<\/p>    <p>Rust Belt cities like <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/detroit-mi-landscaping\">Detroit<\/a><\/strong> (No. 3), <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/reading-pa-landscaping\">Reading, Pennsylvania<\/a><\/strong> (No. 4), and <strong>Flint, Michigan<\/strong> (No. 12), score among the <strong>dirtiest cities<\/strong> with high rates of <strong>smoking<\/strong>, <strong>homes lacking kitchens and plumbing<\/strong>, and a large percentage of <strong>residents unhappy with their environment<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"least-dirty-cities\">10 Least Dirty Cities<\/h2>    <p>Cities at the bottom of our ranking boast <strong>decent air and water quality<\/strong>, <strong>low excess fuel consumption<\/strong>, and high shares of residents who are <strong>satisfied with their local environment<\/strong> and city waste management.&nbsp;<\/p>    <ol class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>South Bend, Indiana (No. 303)<\/li>    <li>Wilmington, North Carolina (No. 302)<\/li>    <li>Des Moines, Iowa (No. 301)<\/li>    <li>Davenport, Iowa (No. 300)<\/li>    <li>Athens, Georgia (No. 299)<\/li>    <li>Winston-Salem, North Carolina (No. 298)<\/li>    <li>Fargo, North Dakota (No. 297)<\/li>    <li>Frederick, Maryland (No. 296)<\/li>    <li>Pleasanton, California (No. 295)<\/li>    <li>Lynchburg, Virginia (No. 294)<\/li> <\/ol>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Healthy Highlights<\/h3>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>\\The ideal standard for <strong>\u201cgood\u201d air quality<\/strong> is an index value of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.airnow.gov\/aqi\/aqi-basics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">50 or below<\/a>. <strong>169 cities<\/strong> in our ranking \u2014 including <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/boston-ma-landscaping\">Boston<\/a><\/strong> (No. 190), <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/portland-or-landscaping\">Portland<\/a><\/strong> (No. 136), and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/minneapolis-mn-landscaping\">Minneapolis<\/a><\/strong> (No. 277) \u2014 fall within this <strong>median healthy air quality<\/strong>. The remaining cities \u2014 44% \u2014 land within a <strong>\u201cmoderate\u201d<\/strong> level.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>The national average percentage of adult smokers is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lung.org\/research\/trends-in-lung-disease\/tobacco-trends-brief\/overall-smoking-trends\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">11.6%<\/a>. <strong>61 cities<\/strong> \u2014 including <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/denver-co-landscaping\">Denver<\/a><\/strong> (No. 174), <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/austin-tx-landscaping\">Austin<\/a><\/strong> (No. 88), and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/san-francisco-ca-landscaping\">San Francisco<\/a><\/strong> (No. 89) have reported <strong>smaller than average<\/strong> populations of smokers.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Ventura Highways:<\/strong> Near-roadway pollution is <strong>least prevalent<\/strong> in <strong>Ventura, California<\/strong> (No. 247), followed by <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/washington-dc-landscaping\">Washington, D.C.<\/a><\/strong> (No. 127), and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/erie-pa-landscaping\">Erie, Pennsylvania<\/a><\/strong> (No. 48).<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"metric-breakdown\">Infogram: Metric Breakdown<\/h2>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"0749a5d8-9374-49de-9339-aab31542e248\" data-type=\"interactive\" data-title=\"2025&amp;#39;s Dirtiest Cities - Metric Breakdown\"><\/div> <p><script>!function(e,n,i,s){var d=\"InfogramEmbeds\";var o=e.getElementsByTagName(n)[0];if(window[d]&&window[d].initialized)window[d].process&&window[d].process();else if(!e.getElementById(i)){var r=e.createElement(n);r.async=1,r.id=i,r.src=s,o.parentNode.insertBefore(r,o)}}(document,\"script\",\"infogram-async\",\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script><\/p>    <p id=\"ask-the-experts\"><\/p>   <div id=\"experts-block\" class=\"experts\">     <h2 class=\"text-2xl font-bold text-black mb-3\">Ask the Experts<\/h2>    <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We turned to a panel of experts to learn more about the potential impacts of living in a polluted environment and how to take the initiative to help clean things up.<\/span><\/p> <ol> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In what ways does a dirty city directly affect its residents?<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What steps can cities take to achieve a cleaner environment and better air quality?<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cleanliness isn\u2019t cheap. How can local governments balance their budgets while spending the necessary funds to keep their cities clean?<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What lessons can we learn from some of the world\u2019s cleanest big cities like Copenhagen and Singapore?<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">How can individual residents contribute to a cleaner city?<\/span><\/li> <\/ol> <p>&nbsp;<\/p>    <div id=\"experts-container\" class=\"relative lg:mt-6\" x-data=\"experts()\" x-init=\"init()\">      <style>       .expert-avatars {         scrollbar-width: none;         -ms-overflow-style: none;          \/* momentum scroll on iOS *\/         -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;          \/* disbable vertical scroll for touch *\/         touch-action: pan-x;       }        \/* hide scroll bar *\/       .expert-avatars::-webkit-scrollbar {         display: none;       }        .expert-avatars .item {         width: 125px;         flex-shrink: 0;       }        .expert-avatars .item:not(:last-child) {         margin-right: 10px;       }        \/* hacky fix for padding at the end of the.expert-avatars *\/       .expert-avatars .item:last-child {         position: relative;       }        .expert-avatars .item:last-child::after {         position: absolute;         left: 100%;         height: 1px;         width: 20px;         display: block;         content: \"\";       }        .trim-label {         max-height: 18px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        .credentials {         max-height: 18px;         width: 250px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        .credentials-small {         max-height: 18px;         width: 110px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        [x-cloak] {         display: none;       }     <\/style>      <div class=\"expert-avatars flex overflow-x-scroll overscroll-contain px-2 mb-10 lg:hidden\">                         <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('kevin-svitana', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Kevin-Svitana.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Kevin Svitana\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Kevin Svitana <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Professor, Biology &amp; Earth Science<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('richard-s-cowles-phd', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Richard-Cowles.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Richard Cowles\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Richard S. Cowles, Ph.D. <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Agricultural Scientist, Assistant Scientist, Associate Scientist, and Scientist<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('dr-jerry-kavouras', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Jerry-Kavouras.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Jerry Kavouras\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Dr. Jerry Kavouras <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Associate Professor and Chair of Biology<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('dr-edgar-stach', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Edgar-Stach.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Edgar Stach\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Dr. Edgar Stach <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Institute director and professor of architecture at CABE<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('morgan-berman', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Morgan-Berman.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Morgan Berman\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Morgan Berman <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Thomas Jefferson University alumna, award-winning entrepreneur, and local community leader<\/div>           <\/div>                   <\/div>                     <div           id=\"expert-kevin-svitana\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'kevin-svitana', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'kevin-svitana'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('kevin-svitana', 'expert'); 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expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'kevin-svitana'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('kevin-svitana')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Kevin-Svitana.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Kevin Svitana\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Kevin Svitana <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor, Biology &amp; Earth Science<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Otterbein University<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>In what ways does a dirty city directly affect its residents?<\/strong><\/p> <p>I&#8217;m not sure what they&#8217;re referring to as a dirty city; I&#8217;m assuming it is trash related. If it is trash, this attracts vectors which can ultimately lead to illnesses and diseases. Also, just the &#8220;dirty appearance&#8221; detracts from the community pride.<\/p> <p><strong>What steps can cities take to achieve a cleaner environment and better air quality?<\/strong><\/p> <p>In the US, there are many environmental regulations that are intended to protect the public. Compliance with the regulations would be sufficient. However, often the public is not aware of the regulatory requirements. So, it&#8217;s often a lack of information sharing of the requirements.<\/p> <p><strong>Cleanliness isn\u2019t cheap. How can local governments balance their budgets while spending the necessary funds to keep their cities clean?<\/strong><\/p> <p>That is a difficult task. Funds are usually limited and governmental programs with funding are also in high demand, so many cities are left out. The most important part is educating people about why it&#8217;s important so that they comply.<\/p> <p><strong>How can individual residents contribute to a cleaner city?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Citizens can contribute by being informed and wanting to be responsible. It&#8217;s not a question of needing additional regulation, but rather complying with those that already exist.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-richard-s-cowles-phd\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'richard-s-cowles-phd', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'richard-s-cowles-phd'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('richard-s-cowles-phd', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'richard-s-cowles-phd', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'richard-s-cowles-phd'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('richard-s-cowles-phd', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Richard-Cowles.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Richard Cowles\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'richard-s-cowles-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Richard S. Cowles, Ph.D. <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'richard-s-cowles-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Agricultural Scientist, Assistant Scientist, Associate Scientist, and Scientist<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'richard-s-cowles-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station \/ Valley Laboratory<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'richard-s-cowles-phd'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('richard-s-cowles-phd', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'richard-s-cowles-phd'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('richard-s-cowles-phd')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Richard-Cowles.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Richard Cowles\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Richard S. Cowles, Ph.D. <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Agricultural Scientist, Assistant Scientist, Associate Scientist, and Scientist<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station \/ Valley Laboratory<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>In what ways does a dirty city directly affect its residents?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Dirty air implies poor health of the citizens due to excess exposure to polluted air.<\/p> <p><strong>What steps can cities take to achieve a cleaner environment and better air quality?<\/strong><\/p> <p>There are two sides that should be considered:<\/p> <ol> <li>Reduction of particulate and other air pollutants (ozone, NOx, CO) through rerouting of highways away from densely populated areas, increased use of public transportation, and cleaner transportation and power plants.<\/li> <li>Greening of cities through planting and maintenance of trees and establishing green rooftops. Rerouting transportation may become a moot point as internal combustion engines are made obsolete with electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.<\/li> <\/ol> <p><strong>Cleanliness isn\u2019t cheap. How can local governments balance their budgets while spending the necessary funds to keep their cities clean?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Planting trees is one of the most cost-effective tools available. The environmental benefits accrued from having planted trees can pay for themselves. Additional benefits not mentioned earlier include a reduced need for air conditioning (reducing the energy demand of neighboring buildings), due to the cooling effects from the trees, and a reduction in stormwater runoff.<\/p> <p>Building the infrastructure to manage stormwater runoff can be extremely expensive. Trees reduce the maximum demand for such systems, thus reducing the overall cost of such systems.<\/p> <p>Finally, the physical and mental health of residents is improved by having adequate tree canopy. Thus, there should be attendant reductions in cost for police protection and health care.<\/p> <p><strong>How can individual residents contribute to a cleaner city?<\/strong><\/p> <p>They can drive less and use public transportation. They can ask their representatives to consider the factors mentioned above when doing city planning. Citizens can ask for more trees to be planted in their neighborhoods.<\/p> <p>If they have a good site for doing so, they can plant an appropriate tree on their own property. As an example: in Hartford, to reach their goal for tree canopy cover, the city will have to convince many property owners to allow trees to be planted on their land. There just aren\u2019t enough city parks and right-of-way space to establish enough trees to meet the canopy goals on city property.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-dr-jerry-kavouras\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'dr-jerry-kavouras', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'dr-jerry-kavouras'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('dr-jerry-kavouras', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'dr-jerry-kavouras', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'dr-jerry-kavouras'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('dr-jerry-kavouras', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Jerry-Kavouras.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Jerry Kavouras\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dr-jerry-kavouras'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Dr. Jerry Kavouras <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dr-jerry-kavouras'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Associate Professor and Chair of Biology<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dr-jerry-kavouras'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Lewis University<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'dr-jerry-kavouras'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('dr-jerry-kavouras', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'dr-jerry-kavouras'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('dr-jerry-kavouras')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Jerry-Kavouras.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Jerry Kavouras\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Dr. Jerry Kavouras <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Associate Professor and Chair of Biology<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Lewis University<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>In what ways does a dirty city directly affect its residents?<\/strong><\/p> <p>How do you define dirty when it comes to a city? Is it merely air pollution? Do trash and general cleanliness count?<\/p> <p>If air pollution is the sole criterion, then research has demonstrated that in cities where the concentrations of suspended particulate matter are high, in particular, PM2.5, you see a greater prevalence of respiratory illnesses. However, recent research indicates that air pollution adversely affects the development of children, including cognitive function.<\/p> <p><strong>What steps can cities take to achieve a cleaner environment and better air quality?<\/strong><\/p> <p>In larger cities, better mass transit systems can encourage citizens to reduce their daily driving, which reduces outdoor air pollution. However, we forget that we spend most of our time during the day indoors. Indoor air pollution is a forgotten, less publicized, problem.<\/p> <p>Whether it is sitting in our cars during long commutes or spending 90% of our time inside our workplace and home, we are exposed to various chemicals. The more energy efficient our buildings and homes become, the more air is \u201ctrapped\u201d indoors, increasing the concentrations of potential hazards, e.g., radon.<\/p> <p><strong>What lessons can we learn from some of the world\u2019s cleanest big cities like Copenhagen and Singapore?<\/strong><\/p> <p>A collaborative effort among citizens, governance, and industries is needed to make significant improvements in the environment. All stakeholders must participate in conversations to make change happen.<\/p> <p><strong>How can individual residents contribute to a cleaner city?<\/strong><\/p> <p>In the United States, reducing the amount of driving that we do on a daily basis can improve outdoor air quality. Local and state governments can work together to close coal-burning power plants and incinerators in addition to halting new incinerators from being built.<\/p> <p>But again, the effects of indoor air pollutants are significant and should not be ignored when developing strategies to improve air quality in cities.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-dr-edgar-stach\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'dr-edgar-stach', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'dr-edgar-stach'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('dr-edgar-stach', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'dr-edgar-stach', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'dr-edgar-stach'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('dr-edgar-stach', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Edgar-Stach.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Edgar Stach\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dr-edgar-stach'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Dr. Edgar Stach <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dr-edgar-stach'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Institute director and professor of architecture at CABE<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dr-edgar-stach'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Thomas Jefferson University<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'dr-edgar-stach'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('dr-edgar-stach', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'dr-edgar-stach'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('dr-edgar-stach')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Edgar-Stach.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Edgar Stach\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Dr. Edgar Stach <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Institute director and professor of architecture at CABE<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Thomas Jefferson University<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>In what ways does a dirty city directly affect its residents?<\/strong><\/p> <p>First, we must define what \u201cdirty\u201d really means. From my perspective, it isn\u2019t litter, but the effect on population health and individual health that accompanies living in an urban area. There are several factors from that perspective: air quality, water quality, and noise quality. It is not an aesthetic issue; it is about hazards on so many levels that affect a population\u2019s health.<\/p> <p>Everyone&#8217;s health is affected by exposure to air pollution. Through our lungs, we breathe in air pollutants. From there, they enter our bodies and contribute to lung cancer and other diseases.<\/p> <p>Contaminated water and poor sanitation are linked to the transmission of diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio. Absent, inadequate, or inappropriately managed water and sanitation services expose individuals to preventable health risks.<\/p> <p>There are direct links between noise and health. Millions of people are affected negatively by noise pollution. Noise affects us in multiple ways: stress-related illnesses, high blood pressure, speech interference, hearing loss, sleep disruption, and lost productivity.<\/p> <p><strong>What steps can cities take to achieve a cleaner environment and better air quality?<\/strong><\/p> <p>I do not think a cleaner environment solely means improved air quality. This is about how to make cities cleaner altogether, in all aspects of life. We need to reduce carbon-emitting cars, trucks, and buses; traffic emits so many pollutants into the environment that impact us. We need to think about big power plants close to, or within, the cities.<\/p> <p>Buildings in urban areas emit CO2, heat, and noise through heating systems, air-conditioning, and building services.<\/p> <p>What we really need to look to do better is to transition from primarily carbon-based energy to green forms of energy. We need to replace dirty air-polluting power production with green energy.<\/p> <p>Our cities need more green spaces, trees, and parks and less non-permeable surfaces like parking lots. The urban green can help by cleaning the air and producing zones of coolness in places that were once heat islands. Fresh-air corridors need to remain in place to ventilate cities with fresh air coming in from the countryside.<\/p> <p><strong>Cleanliness isn\u2019t cheap. How can local governments balance their budgets while spending the necessary funds to keep their cities clean?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Regulations and some political benchmarking are needed to reduce emissions at every level. That can be done by restricting traffic in areas to reduce pollution. We can influence human behavior with financial incentives \u2013\u2013 things like installing solar panels on homes and collecting rainwater.<\/p> <p>On a personal level, there are many things we can do while there are also things that communities and cities can do. But it all comes down to identifying ways to change personal behavior. Driving less and using bikes, public transportation, or walking more.<\/p> <p>Behavioral change on an urban level means looking at how and where we are building and maintaining buildings, but doing that in smarter, more responsible ways. Not everything is free, but you can make changes from one aspect to another by reducing subsidies or favoring one industry over another with environmental benefits in mind, like spending less money on streets and more on bike lanes.<\/p> <p><strong>What lessons can we learn from some of the world\u2019s cleanest big cities like Copenhagen and Singapore?<\/strong><\/p> <p>When I think of cities, I do not think of their governments or their buildings, but the people living there.<\/p> <p>People in Copenhagen, Singapore, and other clean cities around the world fully embrace the concept of carbon neutrality, green energy, public transportation, and the ability to bike and walk safely. They fully embrace giving up individual transportation in lieu of a livable city.<\/p> <p>To make the change towards a greener, healthier, and cleaner city, good public transportation is the cornerstone. The public transportation in Copenhagen and Singapore is fantastic, which is why people use it, unlike a city like Los Angeles which barely has any public transportation.<\/p> <p>Transforming a city into a clean and green one requires both a top-down approach and a bottom-up approach. For example, the city can turn carbon-based energy production into green, localized energy production. At the same time, we \u2013\u2013 the citizens of cities \u2013\u2013 can embrace carbon-neutral lifestyles.<\/p> <p>The new clean city approach involves multiple players \u2013\u2013 from transportation and energy to the building sector \u2013\u2013 as well as human behavior.<\/p> <p><strong>How can individual residents contribute to a cleaner city?<\/strong><\/p> <p>As individuals, we need to take responsibility for our cities. It\u2019s not only the city\u2019s responsibility. We must collectively change the world. We need to embrace cleanliness on many levels, from the way we move to our daily habits. It\u2019s not just littering or trash on the streets. While that may be the most visible effect, there are more severe effects tied to global warming, and that affects all living organisms on our planet.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-morgan-berman\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'morgan-berman', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'morgan-berman'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('morgan-berman', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'morgan-berman', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'morgan-berman'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('morgan-berman', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Morgan-Berman.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Morgan Berman\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'morgan-berman'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Morgan Berman <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'morgan-berman'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Thomas Jefferson University alumna, award-winning entrepreneur, and local community leader<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'morgan-berman'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Thomas Jefferson University<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'morgan-berman'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('morgan-berman', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'morgan-berman'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('morgan-berman')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Morgan-Berman.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Morgan Berman\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Morgan Berman <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Thomas Jefferson University alumna, award-winning entrepreneur, and local community leader<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Thomas Jefferson University<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>In what ways does a dirty city directly affect its residents?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Litter has a range of impacts, including environmental, economic, health, and even crime. At <a href=\"https:\/\/nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shareglitter.com%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7CBrian.Hickey%40jefferson.edu%7C9572c02c4200439209cb08db0ada581c%7C55a89906c710436bbc444c590cb67c4a%7C0%7C0%7C638115705160819685%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=rDS8%2FQgqW%2BZN3DSevV2fsnlOQL5wroRSnZsqLRhSbO4%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Glitter<\/a> we are working to remove litter from the streets in neighborhoods that often lack the resources to tackle this issue the way wealthier areas with dense commercial activity can.<\/p> <p>In cities like Philadelphia, wealthy neighborhoods hire private cleaners to keep streets clean. Lacking the dollars and infrastructure, lower and mixed-income residential areas are neglected, leading to a disproportionate level of these negative consequences for those residents.<\/p> <p>And I&#8217;d encourage rethinking the use of the word &#8216;citizens&#8217; for two reasons: firstly, visitors (whether native or foreign-born), are going to judge a city by its level of cleanliness. Just look at Philadelphia \u2013\u2013 we&#8217;ve sadly earned the nickname &#8220;Filthadelphia&#8221; \u2013\u2013 and it has an impact on our image and I&#8217;m sure our tourism industry among others. The second reason is that those who live in a city but are not citizens still deserve to live in a clean and healthy environment.<\/p> <p><strong>What steps can cities take to achieve a cleaner environment and better air quality?<\/strong><\/p> <p>My focus with Glitter is empowering communities with an affordable and impactful street cleaning service that places a cleaner on every block. We make it affordable for neighbors to pay-what-you-can-afford to split the cost of someone coming and cleaning the block.<\/p> <p>We had tried to integrate this into our municipal services with the City of Philadelphia&#8217;s Streets Department, getting so far as actually succeeding in a line item in the city&#8217;s budget, but the leadership changed their minds, and it&#8217;s been an uphill battle since then to collaborate.<\/p> <p>While we continue to hope that things improve with that partnership, we are growing and cleaning every day through our crowdfunding system with neighbors and are very excited about our success and impact there.<\/p> <p><strong>Cleanliness isn\u2019t cheap. How can local governments balance their budgets while spending the necessary funds to keep their cities clean?<\/strong><\/p> <p>The first thing that is needed is experienced and motivated leadership. When you have that, then everything else can work, but without it, you get programs that lack KPIs, you get budget decisions that aren&#8217;t tied to goals, and you get employees who don&#8217;t care.<\/p> <p>We need a street cleaning program that is designed to be effective and efficient \u2013\u2013 it requires accountability on both ends of the organizational hierarchy. Right now there isn&#8217;t any at either end. What we have are gas-guzzling machines that burn fossil fuels, break down, and don&#8217;t clean sidewalks.<\/p> <p>We need to stop spending money on &#8216;campaigns&#8217; and start spending it on infrastructure that solves issues that are unique to our neighborhoods \u2013\u2013 like in South Philly where thousands of rowhomes have been converted into small apartments without any outdoor storage access to keep trashbags, let alone a trashcan.<\/p> <p><strong>What lessons can we learn from some of the world\u2019s cleanest big cities like Copenhagen and Singapore?<\/strong><\/p> <p>I don&#8217;t know much about those cities so I can&#8217;t say what they are doing well and how that can translate \u2013\u2013 especially without understanding the economic, structural, cultural, and political contexts of these places.<\/p> <p>What I can say is that cities like Philadelphia, where litter is a major problem, need to spend more time understanding what isn&#8217;t working and why and then address those areas. For too long we&#8217;ve had a Streets Commissioner who has been unwilling to admit when they falter, is intimidated by innovation, and is satisfied with the status quo.<\/p> <p><strong>How can individual residents contribute to a cleaner city? <\/strong><\/p> <p>Glitter is designed so that any resident can take an active role in cleaning up their city, one block at a time. A resident can sign up for a crowdfunding page with Glitter, make a pledge, and then recruit other neighbors to chip in.<\/p> <p>Our process allows for regular cleaning of city blocks that don&#8217;t have the benefit of a wealthy commercial corridor. Glitter makes a clean beautiful neighborhood accessible and equitable, especially through matching grants, corporate sponsorship, and our impact fund donations that we use to offset costs in lower income areas.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>              <\/div> <\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"methodology\">Methodology<\/h2>    <p>First, we determined the factors (metrics) that are most relevant to rank the Dirtiest Cities in America. We then assigned a weight to each factor based on its importance and grouped those factors into 4 categories: Pollution, Inadequate Living Conditions, Inadequate Waste Infrastructure, and Resident Dissatisfaction. The categories, factors, and their weights are listed in the table below.<\/p>    <p>For each of the 500 biggest U.S. cities, we then gathered data on each factor from the sources listed below the table. We eliminated 197 cities lacking sufficient data in a single category, resulting in a final sample size of 303 cities.<\/p>    <p>Finally, we calculated scores (out of 100 points) for each city to determine its rank in each factor, each category, and overall. A city\u2019s Overall Score is the average of its scores across all factors and categories. The highest Overall Score ranked \u201cDirtiest\u201d (No. 1) and the lowest \u201cLeast Dirty\u201d (No. 303).<\/p>    <p>Notes:<\/p>    <p>Data for water quality violations is from the last reported year, 2023.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>The \u201cLeast Dirty\u201d among individual factors may not be No. 303 due to ties.<\/p>    <p>Near-roadway pollution is the share of a city\u2019s population living close to a busy road (distance within 200 meters and 25,000+ automobiles per day).<\/p>   <div style=\"position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0px; padding: 73.75% 0px 0px; overflow: hidden; will-change: transform;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/440413d2-3fd1-45e4-9f3b-2cbffa71bdce?src=embed&amp;embed_type=responsive_iframe\" title=\"LS: Methodology Table - 2025's Dirtiest Cities in America\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"fullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0px; left: 0px; border: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;\"><\/iframe><\/div>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong><em>Sources:<\/em><\/strong><em> AARP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, County Health Rankings &amp; Roadmaps, Environmental Protection Agency, Numbeo, other LawnStarter studies, Refuge Restrooms, SalvageParts, Texas A&amp;M Transportation Institute, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and U.S. Census Bureau<\/em><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final-thoughts\">Clean, Green Lawn Care<\/h2>    <p>Why is LawnStarter ranking the dirtiest cities? How you manage your lawn care can play a big role in local air and noise pollution.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Results from a <a href=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Home Gnome<\/a> survey show that poor landscaping and lawn care is the <a href=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/studies\/neighbor-pet-peeves\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">No. 2 pet peeve<\/a> between neighbors.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Many cities are moving toward sustainable lawn care by offering financial incentives for upgrading to electric and battery-powered equipment, implementing watering restrictions, and restricting toxic pesticides.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>A clean environment can start right in your backyard:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Switching to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-equipment\/gas-vs-electric-lawn-mowers\/\">electric lawn care equipment<\/a> can save you money over time while helping the environment.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Clean up your yard to keep your neighbors and HOA happy (large debris can also smother your grass). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/cost\/yard-cleanup-price\/\">Yard cleanup costs<\/a> typically range from $216 and $462 for a 1\/4-acre property.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Properly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/lawn-mowing-mistakes\/\">maintain your grass<\/a> to prevent weeds, lawn diseases, and pest infestations.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Opt for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/what-is-organic-pest-control\/\">organic pest control<\/a> methods.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/gutters\/common-gutter-cleaning-mistakes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Clean gutters<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/cost\/window-cleaning-price\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">windows<\/a> for a stunning home exterior.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Keep your <a href=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/cost\/pool-cleaning-price\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pool clean<\/a> and algae free.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><em>Not enough time in the day to pick up your yard? <\/em><a href=\"http:\/\/lawnstarter.com\"><em>Hire a local LawnStarter crew<\/em><\/a><em> to handle all your landscape maintenance, lawn care, and yard cleanup needs.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"media-resources\">Media Resources<\/h2>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-8537aa30-afca-4d39-933d-e9a71c034ac6\" data-mobilecollapse=\"true\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-8537aa30-afca-4d39-933d-e9a71c034ac6\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-8537aa30-afca-4d39-933d-e9a71c034ac6\" style=\"color: #000000; \">Quotes from LawnStarter Editor-in-Chief, Jeff Herman<\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-8537aa30-afca-4d39-933d-e9a71c034ac6\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Across the cities in our ranking, an average of <strong>13.89% of residents live near busy roads<\/strong>. <strong>6 Los Angeles area cities<\/strong> have the <strong>highest near-roadway pollution<\/strong>, with <strong>36% to 42% of residents<\/strong> living near high-traffic roads.\u00a0<\/li>    <li>Texas cities, <strong>Mansfield<\/strong> (No. 143), and <strong>Brownsville<\/strong> (No. 19), have the <strong>worst access to public bathrooms,<\/strong> followed by <strong>Palm Coast, Florida<\/strong> (No. 203), and <strong>Tempe, Arizona<\/strong> (No. 27). Out of the 50 most populated U.S. cities, <strong>El Paso, Texas<\/strong> (No. 42), has the worst access to public bathrooms. (Mansfield being so low on this list surprises me as it has a Buc-ee&#8217;s and a new H-E-B supermarket that just opened, so I can\u2019t imagine the city will rank at the bottom for this metric next year.)<\/li>    <li><strong>Reading, Pennsylvania<\/strong> (No. 4), has the <strong>worst Risk-Screening Environmental Indicators (RSEI) score<\/strong> measuring toxic chemicals released into the environment from industrial pollution, followed by Texas cities <strong>Longview<\/strong> (No. 102) and <strong>Baytown<\/strong> (No. 17).\u00a0<\/li>    <li>According to Refuge Restrooms, <strong>Cambridge, Massachusetts<\/strong> (No. 226), has the <strong>best access to public bathrooms<\/strong>, followed by <strong>Berkeley, California<\/strong> (No. 238), and <strong>San Francisco<\/strong> (No. 89).\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1DAez0eoaXqlbpkyhL553MwV4C0eEHQeRndj6mexkXWs\/edit#gid=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">High-resolution images of cities<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1WpyyePen4-CmeHOYS0a3uWQKAkun18NUKJB6Wmlhp3Y\/edit?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2021\u2019s Dirtiest Cities in America<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/11ozwLiqkt1oX0_ZR6IBtWLgrdnb2bONGtsabZltRo8E\/edit?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2022\u2019s Dirtiest Cities in America<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1-Z5KsrqfykLz2l5-TqkKxGXjYrYDtteIs5LU5871KvY\/edit?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2023\u2019s Dirtiest Cities in America<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/infogram.com\/ls-ranking-table-2024s-dirtiest-cities-in-america-1h7v4pd3wzzz84k\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2024\u2019s Dirtiest Cities in America<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong>Main Photo Credit:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/jo\/search\/free?filters%5Bcontent_type%3Aphoto%5D=1&amp;filters%5Bcontent_type%3Aillustration%5D=1&amp;filters%5Bcontent_type%3Azip_vector%5D=1&amp;filters%5Bfree_collection%5D=1&amp;filters%5Bcontent_type%3Aimage%5D=1&amp;order=relevance&amp;safe_search=1&amp;k=garbage&amp;search_page=1&amp;search_type=usertyped&amp;acp=&amp;aco=garbage&amp;get_facets=1&amp;asset_id=334360329\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">wachiwit<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/p>    <p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Which U.S. cities have polluted water, air, and the most trash production and greenhouse gas emissions? Discover 2025\u2019s Dirtiest Cities in America.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":100,"featured_media":116040,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[853],"tags":[1472],"class_list":["post-27646","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-studies","tag-studies"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Dirtiest-Cities-in-America-2-1.jpg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Sav Maive","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/sav-maive\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>2025&#039;s Dirtiest Cities in America - LawnStarter Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Which U.S. cities have polluted water, air, and the most trash production and greenhouse gas emissions? 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