10
Rocklin,
CALIFORNIA
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the kids’ job to compost, mulch and replant,” says Tim, 48, a
fixed-income researcher. “They’re learning that it’s everyone’s
responsibility to keep our waters pristine.”
4 GOING FOR THE GREEN The town awards prizes for home
eco-projects like building porous driveways that prevent oil
and salt runoff. Winners receive bragging rights (a plaque to
post outside) and a gift certificate for native plants.
Population 53,064
Median income $81,790
Median home price $400,000
Households with children 46%
Student/teacher ratio 22: 1
Residents who recycle 45%
Wheeling, ILLINOIS
~~~
tephanie and Brian Smith live on tree-lined street
S alongside families from China, India, Korea and Russia.
That’s typical of Wheeling, where 30% of the residents
are immigrants or minorities. Diversity is the reason Stephanie,
41, a banker, and Brian, 35, an acquisition associate, chose to
raise their young family—Chloe is 5 and Brian Jr. is 1—here.
“Our kids are constantly around people of different
backgrounds living in tolerance and harmony,” says Brian,
who grew up in Chicago’s inner city. “I think of them as flowers
blooming in a garden—it’s a beautiful thing.” The town’s
schools are flourishing too—Buffalo Grove High was recently
awarded a Blue Ribbon, the Department of Education’s highest
honor. Stephanie also appreciates the little things, like fishing
for bluegill in a pond near their home. “The neighborhoods
Population 33,786
Wheeling,
ILLINOIS
Households with children 35%
Median income $68,419
Median home price $216,000
Student/teacher ratio 16: 1
Residents who recycle 47%
have an easy-living feeling,” she says. “And I love having the
whole world in our little cul-de-sac.”
4 GOING FOR THE GREEN Since 2002 the town has spent
$2 million to convert five vacant lots into half-acre “pocket
parks,” with fountains, benches and flowers.
Rocklin, CALIFORNIA
~~~
ost Saturday mornings Brian James, 42, a V.P. for a
Msurveillance equipment distributor, takes daughter
Emily, 15, and son Tyler, 11, not to soccer practice
but to the trash dump, where they dispose of bottles,
newspapers and lawn clippings. “Of course the town
picks up garbage, but we started making the kids go so
they’d be more eco-conscious,” says mom Kim, 42.
“Now they love it. Tyler, in fact, tells us we should
recycle more!” The entire town is a green pioneer: The
first city in California to participate in “ClimateSmart,”
a state program to reduce greenhouse gases, Rocklin
helps offset its carbon emissions by donating some
$8,000 annually to buy up land and prevent logging in
nearby forests. The schools are outstanding— 9 of 13
have been named California Distinguished Schools—
and the streets are safe. Brian boasts about Rocklin’s
three B’s—barbecue, ball games and, referring to the
panoramic view of the Sierra Nevada mountains,
beauty. “The weather’s great, the people friendly,” he
says. “All the good things you think about in a town
you’ll find right here.”
4 GOING FOR THE GREEN After installing solar
panels in 2006, police headquarters cut energy bills
by 40% and CO2 emissions by 5,000 pounds yearly.
