Planning Your Eco-Friendly Visit to Seattle

It’s called Emerald City largely because of its green backdrop, but there’s more to the green side of Seattle than the plethora of verdant plant life. This is your guide to learning how to be a responsible visitor in Seattle and making sure your visit leaves a positive impact in your wake.

Get Around With the Lowest Environmental Impact

Can you think of anything more romantic than cycling around the Seattle waterfront with your loved one? Not only is it good for your body, but it’s it’s good for everyone around you, too. Cycling is also a convenient way to make good time around the city while having the ability to stop when your heart desires. You never know when the perfect photo opportunity will present itself. Pronto bicycles offers rentals for one or three days. Their rates are affordable, and you’ll fit right in with the environmentally friendly locals.

Sunset image courtesy of Shannon Kringen

Of course riding a bicycle isn’t always practical, especially in a city known for its downpours. In that case, your best bet is the Central Link Light Rail which runs roughly every 15 minutes from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. and covers ground from the Airport to Westlake.

Eat Sustainable and Delicious Food

With Local 360 it’s all in the name. This restaurant sources the majority of its ingredients from producers within a 360 mile radius of Seattle. The food always gets rave reviews, and the restaurant emphasizes food ethics and local suppliers. Stumbling Goat Bistro is another favorite for Seattle food that’s fresh, simple, and served with integrity. In addition to the fine fare, this spot also promotes Seattle artists and hosts a mini art gallery.

Tilth is the home of chef Maria Hines, who has appeared with the likes of Martha Stewart and on Iron Chef. Maria loves to support local farmers and use their products in her own expression of New American cuisine. Tilth is certified organic and is on the New York Times best new restaurants list, so you know it’s good.

Is It Possible to Sleep Responsibly?

Not only is it possible, but Seattle is home to some great hotels that are making efforts to go green. It’s worth noting that all these hotels range between $200 to $250 per night. If your budget allows for that, great, but if not, staying with an Airbnb host like this one is another way to feed the local economy and make your stay more personalized.

Seattle’s Beautiful. Image courtesy of Maëlick Flickr

The Hyatt at Olive 8 was Seattle’s first LEED certified building. It boasts a living roof and a handy keycard that cuts off electricity to your room upon exit. The Fairmont Olympic Hotel has made waves for its food composting program and uses only steam generated from recycled wood as its source for heating and hot water. Finally, did you know that Audubon International has a green lodging program? It’s awarded the Sheraton Seattle Hotel with four green leafs, and this hotel’s recycling program is one of the best in the nation.

If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly hotel, this is your dream destination. Book one of these hotels for your next trip, and leave a positive impact on Seattle.

Please note : This is part of a series for #HipmunkCityLove. Hipmunk.com is low-cost and budget travel service that I actually use myself to travel, and am thrilled to write for. I hope you find the articles as well as their services useful. Remember, you are my first priority and I only work with or support companies whose products and services I believe in. For all the nitty gritty on this check out my disclaimer.