Florence is a beautiful city filled with art and history. That is what the tourists come for, many of the vendors depend on and much of the general populace takes for granted. Florence is also a very livable city. It is clean. It has successful recycling and food waste composting programs. It has virtually unlimited inexpensive and pervasive transportation options including an extensive network of road based bike lanes. It has a vibrant Slow Food and organic restaurant community supported by a strong sustainable agriculture and biodynamic wine community. And Florence focuses on preservation of its architecture; almost always the best for green construction.
Waste Disposal
Florence uses Quadrifoglio to collect its waste. This year so far, the city of Florence re
cycled more than 50% of its waste stream! This may be because of how easy
it is to recycle. Within center city, Quadrifoglio has installed underground centralized disposal locations that have four units at each location: two for trash, one for mixed recycling and one for compostable organic waste. The local composting facility can handle 86,000 tons of waste a year. Outside of center city, Quadrifoglio provides colored wheelie bins for its customers.
If you have a yard, you can get a free composter from Quadrifoglio. If you do not have a yard, you can deposit food waste in the centralized collection units and pick up free bags of compost from the Quadrifoglio compost facilities
One way to help Florence reduce the amount of plastic bottles in the waste stream is to bring a reusable bottle with you on your trip. Florence has installed a number of potable water fountains where you can refill you bottle for free. Use this map to find one close to you. Note: bring the bottle with you – I never found a bottle for sale from any store, shop, or street vendor.
Transportation
Florence is a walkable city. To preserve the foundations of many of its center city treasures, in 2009 Florence began a program of Pedestrian Zones which are open to bikes, scooters and pedestrians. These zones cover almost the entire
area from the Duomo to the Arno and around the Pitti Palace. A great map can be found at the Florence website. But walking isn’t limited to the Pedestrian Zones. Sidewalks are available on every street and people are walking everywhere. When you do go walking, take a map; the streets are not in a rigid grid – they meander here and there – you may find yourself meandering too.
Transportation – AFTA Bus System
When you are tired of walking, take the bus! The AFTA bus system covers almost every street in the city and the surrounding area. If you fly into Florence and need to get into the city, AFTA runs the Volainbus – Airport Shuttle. This is an inexpensive, efficient way to see the city and get where you are going. Volainbus takes you directly to the transportation hub at the Stazione Alamanni.
Transportation – MondoTram
Florence is currently constructing a tram system to provide transportation from Stazione Alamanni to
the outlying suburban areas. Currently Line 1 of the new MondoTram system is complete. It is a fun ride and an interesting tour – especially along the park on the Arno.
Transportation – Bicycling
Given the traffic in the city, I am not sure that bicycling in Florence is a relaxing pastime but it is a great way to get around the city. It is clear from the number of bicycles stored at the many racks around the city, that many of the locals ride bicycles on a regular basis.
Rent a bike when you get into town and use it to explore the beautiful countryside. Don’t forget – ride on the right, watch out for traffic and lock up when you park your bike. The city has many designated bike lanes to use; this map will help you find them.
Transportation – City Vehicles
The Florentine government has set a goal to promote the use of electric vehicles by setting an example. With the delivery of 70 Renault electric vehicles the fleet is now 60% electric. To support its goal of 
electric mobility, the city is installing more than 400 charging points in the city for use by the city and the public. Speaking at the vehicle delivery, the mayor said, “We want to be the Italian city known for using electric.”
Transportation – Scooters
To further reduce its carbon footprint, the city has set a 2020 objective to replace 10% of the existing traditional scooters with electric mopeds.
Food
Organic, biodynamic food and wine are available everywhere – in restaurants, markets, and farmstands. Want a great restaurant, stroll down the street and pop into anyone you pass but if you are looking for some recommendations –
For wonderful Tuscan Slow Food try Trattoria Toscana Gozzi Sergio
For a wonderful organic food and wine experience try Vivanda Gastronomia
For a sublime artisanal gelato experience try Gelateria della Passera.
Buy yourself an organic snack or picnic at Mercato Centrale and take it up to Piazza Michelangelo to savor the view during your meal.
The city is a wonderful place. Go and enjoy the history, the friendliness, the vibrancy, and the air of sustainability that you can find everywhere.
