A messy, human-style title: Sustainability in Tijuana: How Green is This Urban Space?
tijuana, mexico: the city that'll make you question everything you thought you knew about sustainability.
i just spent a week exploring this urban jungle, and let me tell you, it's a wild ride. as a budget student, i've had to get creative with my living arrangements, so i ended up crashing at a friend's place in the colonia of alvaro obregôn. it's not the most glamorous neighborhood, but it's got a certain charm to it.
anyway, back to the sustainability thing. from what i've observed, tijuana is making some serious strides in reducing its carbon footprint. the city's invested heavily in renewable energy, and it shows. i took a tour of the solar farm just outside the city limits, and it was impressive. but, as we all know, talk is cheap, so let's get to the numbers.
according to a report by the mexican ministry of environment and natural resources, tijuana's greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 12.5% between 2010 and 2015. not bad, right? but, what about the cost of living? here's a rough breakdown of what i paid for a week of rent, food, and transportation:
| category | average daily cost |
|---|---|
| rent | 500 mxn ($25 usd) |
| food | 200 mxn ($10 usd) |
| transportation | 100 mxn ($5 usd) |
| miscellaneous | 200 mxn ($10 usd) |
| total | 900 mxn ($45 usd) |
of course, these numbers are just a rough estimate, and your actual costs may vary depending on your lifestyle and preferences. but, as a general rule, tijuana's rent is relatively affordable, especially if you're willing to live outside of the city center.
now, i know what you're thinking: what about the food? is it safe to eat street food in tijuana? the answer is a resounding yes. just ask any local, and they'll tell you that the food here is some of the best in mexico. and, at a fraction of the cost of what you'd pay in the us or canada.
but, what really stood out to me was the community aspect of tijuana's sustainability efforts. from the neighborhood clean-up initiatives to the bike-sharing programs, it's clear that the city is committed to making a positive impact on its residents and the environment.
so, is tijuana sustainable? the answer is complex. like any city, it's got its flaws and its strengths. but, one thing is for sure: it's a city that's definitely worth visiting.
and, on that note, i should probably mention a few of my favorite spots in tijuana. first up, there's the tourist information center in the city center. they've got all the essential information you need to navigate the city, from maps to restaurant recommendations. be sure to stop by and pick up a free map of the city's bike-share program.
another spot i recommend is the mercado de abastos. it's a bustling marketplace filled with all sorts of delicious street food and unique souvenirs. just be prepared for crowds and long lines.
finally, if you're looking for a unique way to experience tijuana's sustainability efforts, i recommend checking out the city's community garden initiative. it's a community-run project that provides fresh produce to low-income families in the city.
anyway, that's my take on tijuana's sustainability efforts. it's not perfect, but it's definitely a city that's worth visiting if you're interested in learning more about sustainable living.
overheard gossip: don't even get me started on the state of the city's infrastructure. apparently, the streets can be a bit rough in some areas, and the public transportation system is still in the process of being improved. but, hey, that's all part of the charm, right?
some drunk advice from a local: if you're planning on visiting tijuana, be sure to try the food. like, seriously, try the food. you won't regret it.
something a local warned me about: the city's notorious traffic jams. like, seriously, they're a real thing. so, plan ahead and leave plenty of time to get where you're going.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-Guide-g147055-d172776-Reviews-Monte-Sol-Sol-Airbnb-Tijuana-Mexico.html
https://www.yelp.com/biz/mexican-food-restaurant-tijuana
https://www.reddit.com/r/tijuana/
"tijuana's got a way of getting under your skin. it's like the city's trying to tell you something, but you're not quite sure what it is yet." - abel, freelance photographer
"the best way to experience tijuana's sustainability efforts is to get out there and get your hands dirty. join a community garden initiative, or volunteer with one of the city's many environmental organizations. trust me, you won't regret it." - sarah, yoga instructor
"tijuana's got a way of making you feel like you're part of something bigger than yourself. it's like the city's trying to tell you that you're not alone, that we're all in this together." - luis, street artist
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