We are surrounded by nature and some of the most beautiful scenery available here in the gem state. From Boise the city of trees to having stunning lakes, rivers and streams throughout the state. So how clean are we really? No matter how pristine our surroundings are, every person in every state produces waste. Some though, create a lot more than others. Check out how Idaho and our surrounding states scored along with what state is the dirtiest in the nation.

The City of Boise has a goal for the whole city to be powered by clean energy by 2035 and to reach carbon neutrality for the community by 2050.  They have been taking steps for years to continue to lead the country in sustainability. The Gem state is doing a lot behind the scenes to be resourceful and smart about utilizing natural recourses. According to a report by Zippia.com, Idaho ranks as the least wasteful state in the country. Across the state we also have a thriving wind-power industry and Idaho is also one of only six states with commercial geothermal electricity.

Underground Tunnel Geothermal, Photo by Nikki West
Underground Tunnel Geothermal, Photo by Nikki West
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Geothermal power plants are able to create energy using water and heat that comes from dry steam wells or from hot-water wells. The steam then powers a turbine that generates electricity. Idaho also utilize hydroelectric power from rivers and dams. Idaho Power has pledged to use 100 percent clean energy by 2045.

Underground Tunnel Geothermal Map, photo by Nikki West
Underground Tunnel Geothermal Map, photo by Nikki West
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With our city and states efforts where does that leave us as a state compared to others. How clean is Idaho really?

Best Life dug into data from multiple sources to get the full picture of a particular state's cleanliness, including its air quality, landfill use, and the volume of garbage and toxins it produces. They factored in how many tons of trash a state has buried per capita, as well as how much new waste it is producing per year (also in tons) and what percentage of a state's total landmass is dedicated to landfills. They also looked into the "dirtiness" of the state's air, drawing on the amount of carbon dioxide it produces (in million metric tons) according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, as well as each state's air pollution ranking, according to the United Health Foundation. After compiling all of the info they pulled the numbers together to determine the Dirty State Index score for each state.

How Clean is Idaho and Our Surrounding States

We are surrounded by nature and some of the most beautiful scenery available here in the gem state. So how clean is Idaho? Best Life evaluated various 'dirty' factors and ranked states. We also looked at Idaho's surrounding states, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Montana and Wyoming. For fun we threw the two dirtiest states in the country in too.

25 Stunning Photos To Make You Fall In Love With Idaho All Over Again

Need a refresher on what a gorgeous state we live in? Escape for a moment and enjoy all four awesome seasons with these 25 stunning photos...

Idaho is a massive state with almost every type of climate zone and miles and miles of endless beauty waiting to be photographed. Let's get lost in its beauty by taking a scenic tour of our state!

How Rude is Idaho and Our Surrounding States?

Lifestyle magazine Best Life released a list of all 50 states ranked from the nicest to the rudest and while the gem state didn't get the top spot, the top 10 isn't great. Our neighboring states scored far kinder than we did.

12 Ridiculous Myths About Idaho That People in Other States Believe

When you tell people that you're from Idaho, do they look at you funny and immediately follow up your introduction with a question that makes you shake your head? These are 12 of the common responses our listeners tell us they get!

The 10 Commandments of Boise, Idaho

Life in Boise is a little different than other places in the United States. And you know what, we like it that way. If you're new to town, learning these can make you're adjustment to the Idaho way just a little bit easier.

Top 10 Most Boring Places in Idaho

If you’re hankering for the quiet life… and a sheer lack of things to do, these Idaho places might just be perfect for you. What some may call boring, others go to some of these places in search of tranquility. Take a peek at the 10 most 'Boring' cities in Idaho.

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