By using google trends, we could figure out that the most urban areas of Ohio were also the most concerned about the environment. We also noticed that although Ohio was one of the heaviest polluters, compared to the rest of the country, the environment still wasn't a prominent concern.
The correlation between population and environmental concern raised another question. Were urban areas less ecologically responsible than rural areas? Was that why their concern for the environment was greater?
After researching with the sources linked in our overview page, I found out the following:
Although living closer to nature in rural, farm-like areas, gives you a greater understanding of the environment, it's not always sustainable. Living in closer quarters, in the form of cities, makes it easier for residents to share heat and electricity in a beneficial way. A walking lifestyle is also more accesible in a city, where all your main needs are met, whether it's your workplace, dentist, or apartment. In rural areas, people are actually more likely to contribute to greenhouse gases with a higher dependency on car transportation, (and also no public transportation). There's also conversation that there is even greater population control in cities because families do not want to raise too many kids in such a crowded space. Even though the air pollution in cities is notable, it's also important to consider the density of the population and the waste per person.
To further prove my point, some cities are very economically responsible. Cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and Chicago are all abundantly popular cities that have made impressive environmental leaps. San Francisco has more than half the MUNIS bus fleet and light rails being zero emission. The Seattle City Light is the nation's first carbon neutral electric utility, and Chicago has awesome pizza. (I'm just kidding, they also have the highest number of green roofs.)
Surprisingly, these cities that are ports of innovation are also trying to reduce their ecological footprint. And it's still true that living in the countryside can give you the freedom to choose how you'd like to be environmentally friendly. But just because you're a city-dweller, doesn't mean you should feel guilty about it, when you may be contributing just as much effort without even knowing.