Going Green in New Orleans

After the destruction that Hurricane Katrina left in her wake, plenty of New Orleans was left to rebuild. The city has done so in a sustainable way, with an eye on the future. Make sure your visit to the Big Easy helps the locals and their community by taking advantage of these conscious travel tips.

Spook Yourself with a Cemetery Tour

From the delicious French Quarter to the grave St. Louis Cemetery the Cajun Encounters tour shows you the old, new, and up-and-coming parts of New Orleans on bicycle. After the City of the Dead you tour the city park with their majestic oak trees. History buffs are in luck, the final stop on this tour is the National World War II Museum. The best part about tours with Cajun Encounters is that their guides are not following a script, so you’ll get the information you want, the way you want it.

Image courtesy of Jeff Turner from Flickr

Book With Hampton Inn, the Easy Green Option

The Hampton Inn Hotel chain made a commitment to the environment, so you can rest easy when you book with any of their four New Orleans hotels. Through water, electricity, and paper saving programs you’re leaving behind a smaller ecological impact without sacrificing any of the comfort or convenience. Even better, you will sleep soundly knowing the linens are laundered with non-toxic laundry detergent and that you’ll wake up to a breakfast made from locally grown food.

See the City by Going Green

A great way to work up an appetite for all the French delicacies you’re going to indulge in – beignets anyone? – while seeing the city is the Free Wheelin’ Bike Tour company who offer several different tours around the city. While the Creole and Crescent tour is the best seller, there are plenty of options to cater to your tastes. Choose from what interests you and save the planet while burning calories – win win.

Visit the Green Lungs of NOLA

The Audubon Park is a local’s favorite for weekends when the sun is shining. If you’re a runner, you’re going to love the mile and a half loop which gives you a great tour of the live-oaks, lagoons, and flora. The tennis courts are open from 8am till dusk daily, rent a racket and work up a sweat! Plan ahead and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy a low-cost meal in Mother Nature. Remember to be a responsible traveler and recycle after you’re finished, there are several outlets within the grounds of the park.

Image courtesy of Jeff Turner from Flickr

Eat Your Heart Out Without Guilt

Carmo Café, located in the Warehouse District, offers a little something for everyone: vegans, gluten intolerant, and carnivores alike rejoice at the menu offerings. Their new take on old favorites, such as the sandwich served between grilled plantain patties, keep locals coming back frequently so be sure you plan in advance. Don’t worry about dressing up though, this place has a down home vibe where you’ll feel the tropical vibe Carmo is famous for.

No matter what brings you to New Orleans, you’ll leave feeling great about having a positive impact while enjoying yourself.

Please note : This is part of a series for #HipmunkCityLove. Hipmunk.com is low-cost and budget travel service that I use while planning budget travel, and am thrilled to write for. I know you will find the articles as well as their services useful.

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