Green Daily

Think your state is doing what it can to help protect the environment? Now you can know for sure. Forbes just released rankings that separate the haves from the have nots when it comes to being environmentally conscious.

You'd probably expect to see some of the smaller East coast states near the top of the list -- places like Vermont and Connecticut, that have progressive environmental policies and shorter average drive times for commuters. Still others might surprise you -- like New Jersey, for instance, that may soon loose its reputation as the "armpit of America." And then there's California, a state that, despite it's tough regulations, wasn't even in the top 10.

The states that got the highest rankings were the ones with the smallest carbon footprints (meaning they emit relatively low levels of carbon dioxide), the best air quality, and the most green buildings (as certified by the US Green Building Council). Those toward the bottom -- places like Wyoming and Alaska -- might be nice places to get in touch with nature, but they aren't working hard enough to protect it. And those at the very bottom -- places like Mississippi and West Virgina -- are just a mess.

Embarrassed that your state is at the bottom of the rankings? Don't just sit there -- get involved! Check out this site for a comprehensive list of environmental organizations in your area, find one you like, and give them a call. After all, even the biggest changes still happen one person at a time.