Three 2007 studies have rated the City of Columbus on various aspects of “greenness”.

MSN City Guide lists on its website 5 Cities That Need Help Getting Green.  The article says Columbus’ air is taking a beating, and that tap water has 6 contaminants over EPA’s safety levels. In a note of humor they remark that Columbus,  home to the headquarters of the fast food giants Wendy’s and White Castle, could benefit from more walking and biking! On a positive note, they say that the city’s economy is in good shape and mention Mayor Coleman’s Get Green initiative.  Other cities sharing the “honors” are Dallas, Detroit, Houston and Indianapolis.     

Earth Day Network’s Urban Environment Report ranks Columbus 48th out of 72 US cities.  On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being worst, Columbus’ scores in the following categories were: toxics & waste (3.7); air quality (4.0); drinking & surface water (2.4); quality of life (2.9), parks & recreation (3.3); human & public health (2.9); global warming (3.4). 

The American Lung Association's State of the Air: 2007 report lists the best and worst metropolitan areas, with lots of information on health effects, and an address to send an email to the EPA asking them to strengthen air quality standards.  Franklin County got an "F" (fail) on both ozone and particulates.  Tables for the most polluted 25 cities and counties in the US do not include Franklin County or Columbus, but do list the Cleveland/Akron/Elyria and Cincinnati/Middletown/Wilmington metro areas and Cuyahoga, Jefferson and Stark Counties in Ohio.