More Nature, More Happiness: 9 Ways Vilnius is Creating Greener City
Vilnius, soon to be the European Green Capital for 2025, is demonstrating the importance of sustainable urban spaces for both the planet and residents' well-being. Key initiatives include expanding 140 km of biking paths, 1,490 km of walking trails, reducing plastic bag usage by five times in one year, and, most importantly, encouraging residents to actively care for their city’s environment.
December 16, 2024. Lithuanian capital Vilnius, soon to be the European Green Capital for 2025, demonstrates that sustainable urban spaces are not only good for the planet but vital for the well-being of city residents. With Lithuania’s youth under 30 recently recognized as the happiest in the world, the Lithuanian capital shows that a greener environment can create happiness. How is the city achieving this?
1. Vilnius residents significantly contribute to the common goal of achieving Climate Neutrality by 2030. Vilnius residents are encouraged to embrace renewable energy through national subsidy programs–by installing solar panels and using clean energy. The city has already made significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by increasing its reliance on solar power and modernized heating systems. One of the primary sources of pollution–heating homes using wood–has been addressed with cleaner energy solutions.
2. The city has bought almost 300 new buses and trolleybuses to replace the Soviet-time inheritance. Squeaky old trolleybuses and fossil fueled buses used to be common sight in Vilnius. However, the city has currently invested in an eco-friendly public transportation network, including electric buses and trolleybuses, to minimize its carbon footprint and encourage sustainable commuting options for residents. As many as 297 new electric buses will replace old buses, reducing the use of fossil fuels in the capital and providing cleaner air for the residents of the city.
3. Vilnius is redesigning and reconstructing city streets so that bikes can have their lanes. With 140 km of bike paths and plans for further expansion, the city is creating an environment that makes cycling more accessible and convenient way to get around the city. For example, some streets have been redesigned to make it a shared space for both bikes and cars. Besides, the “Cyclocity” bike-sharing system and electric bike-sharing services are making cycling a convenient alternative to driving.
4. With 1,490 km of walking trails, Vilnius is one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities in Europe. Through pedestrian-friendly initiatives like car-free zones, the city enhances its urban livability. Additionally, the city has developed a unified network of walking trails, with 24 leisure trails and 16 everyday routes, and plans to add 100 km of trails in the coming years. With Vilnius' stunning cityscape and nature so close, there's often no need to use public transport or a car.
5. 61% of the city is submerged in trees. Vilnius offers plentiful green spaces, covering over 61% of the city, many of which are located close to the city center. These parks, which often resemble forests, provide residents with easy access to nature. They are central to urban planning and support sustainable outdoor activities. Ongoing community project “Green Wave” focuses on tree planting and biodiversity conservation, making the city even greener. Each spring, Vilnius city park organization invites citizens to join community gardening events, guided by experts who select suitable spots for shrub and tree planting.
6. 92% of all of the beverage containers bought in Lithuania are recycled. Lithuania’s efficient deposit system for plastic bottles and cans has significantly reduced waste and litter since its introduction in 2016. Consumers pay a €0.10 deposit on beverage packaging, which is refunded upon return. Lithuanians very quickly saw the advantages of this this system, since it every year collects around 90-92% of all of the beverage containers, helping reduce waste and promoting recycling.
7. Plastic bag usage drops 5 times. Lithuanians used to use plastic bags everywhere –but not anymore. Policies to reduce plastic waste, such as promoting reusable bags and banning single-use plastics, have led to significant reductions. After the legislation took effect on July 1, 2023, the use of single-use plastic bags dropped by five times in the first week compared to the previous year.
8. Drink from tap or not? Yes, absolutely. Vilnius ensures access to clean, high-quality drinking water sourced from deep underground aquifers, reducing the need for bottled water and further minimizing plastic waste. With approximately 180 annual water quality tests conducted, residents can trust the safety and reliability of their water.
9. Everyone’s participation is welcome. Public events like clean-up days and tree plantings engage thousands of participants, encouraging community involvement in sustainability initiatives. To further boost citizen engagement, the city has developed the “Tvarkau miestą” (I Take Care of the City) app, which allows residents to report issues and share feedback on city management. This app helps create a more responsive and inclusive urban planning process.
As Vilnius moves closer to becoming the European Green Capital in 2025, these initiatives are setting the stage for a more sustainable and eco-friendly future and more content residents. Through continuous efforts to reduce emissions, expand green spaces, and promote sustainable living, the city is actively involving its residents in creating a cleaner, greener environment.