Here's an interesting news item I just read... The Legambiente, the Environmental Society, has completed their annual study of the capital cities of the Italian provinces. Of the 103 cities examined, Verbania, which is 15 minutes to the east of Stresa along the lake, was found to be the fourth most "green" city in Italy. Several aspects were studied; the ecosystem of the area, and well as the facilities in place that allow its citizens to live a more sustainable, smaller carbon-footprint, life. Even better news is that Verbania moved up from its 16th place ranking of last year. The city produced less trash, used less water, recycled more, and testing showed cleaner, better air quality. People not only used the public transportation systems more, but also decreased their use of cars and increased their use of bicycles.

Stresa, not being a capital city, was not ranked in this rating. But I feel certain those same findings would apply here as well. And it's nice to see in official words what I've known all along... that this is a special place, of exceptional natural beauty, filled with people who appreciate it and are working to keep it so.
stresa stresa stresa stresa stresa stresa stresa stresa stresa stresa stresa stresa