An Eco-Friendly Visit to NYC

You might not consider the Big Apple to be a green city, unless you count the cramped quarters of its metro system. Look closer, and you’ll find plenty of ways that you can have an eco-friendly visit to New York City without skipping any of the fun.

Pick a Home Base That Treats You and the Environment Well

Start your vacation by choosing an IHG hotel in New York City that takes environmental commitments seriously. The ever-chic Kimpton chain prides itself on green policies like using non-toxic cleaning products. You can sleep soundly knowing that $10 of your room rate goes directly to The Trust for Public Land. The Muse hotel is smack dab in the heart of Times Square, on the south side of the street at 130 West 46th Street.

See the City on Two Wheels

Burn calories and see the cultural centers with Bike the Big Apple. Begin in Williamsburg, the Brooklyn neighborhood where hipsters mix with Hasidic Jews. If you’re biking on a Friday, you’ll might even see the pre-Sabbath preparations and all the buzz it brings. A few minutes later you’ll be in Greenpoint, a vibrant Polish neighborhood. Turn the corner, and you’ll be treated to rarely seen views of the city and its skyline as you gaze across the Williamsburg Bridge.

The last stop is the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Here the complementary colors and cultures of Europe, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and China blend together to create a truly New York piece of the city.

Cool Down Next to the River

To cool down from your day’s ride, check out the charming Riverside Park at West 59th Street to Clair Place. This historic park follows a four-mile stretch of the Hudson River, and you’ll be sure to enjoy plenty of people-watching as the locals get their daily exercise on the greenway, skatepark, and tennis courts.

Refuel Your Body and Nourish Yourself Organically

Less than 20 minutes from Times Square is the trendy and tasty Candle Café, featuring organic dishes straight from the farm. Take the metro from 50th Street and get off at 86th Street. From there, head southeast on West 87th St toward Broadway, and you’ll find the maroon awning proclaiming “organic cuisine” at 2427 Broadway.

Try the Eggplant Napoleon, which includes cornmeal-crusted eggplant with sautéed leeks, wild mushrooms, zucchini, artichoke pâté, and basil coulis. This pairs well with a rosé on a hot summer day. For a hearty main course, give the Seitan Scampi a shot. It features roasted fingerling potatoes, toasted five-grain bread, sautéed leeks, spinach, tomato, garlic, arugula, and white wine lemon sauce. It’s truly delectable.

End the Day With A Delicious and Healthy Drink

After a long day of exploring, your body will appreciate the hydration, and your soul will thank you for the compassionate theme at The Butcher’s Daughter, a vegan juice bar. If you’re in the mood for a light and refreshing dinner, grab the Thai Butcher Bowl and Mango Lassi. You’ll find this spot at 19 Kenmare Street between Bowery and Elizabeth Streets.

What could be sweeter than visiting a city and knowing you’re helping the people and the planet? Follow this guide, and plan a wonderful, eco-friendly trip to New York City.