It’s Hip to be Green in Houston

Houston is taking their responsibility to the environment seriously; in 2010 they were named one of the top 10 greenest cities in the USA by causes.com! Here’s the best tips for being a responsible traveler on your next trip to Houston.

Eat With Authenticity

Benjy’s restaurant is a haven for those who are looking for a local, sustainable, alternative to the everyday slab-o-steak eateries. In typical Houston fashion there are upscale versions of longtime favorites such as chorizo pizza, jambalaya risotto, cornmeal fried green tomatoes, and a nut-crusted crunchy chicken.

It’s not only a conscious carnivore’s delight though: Benjy’s offers vegetarian alternatives such as the infamous Frito Pie, Pickled Vegetables — even the brussels sprouts are worth writing home for. They have two spots in Houston, Rice Village and Upper Washington.

Sleep At Peace With Yourself and the Environment

Educate yourself on how to look for a green hotel by looking at the recycling programs, whether or not if the hotel uses local staff, and the energy efficiency throughout the establishment. The Hilton Americas who were the first in Texas to earn the Green Seal certificate and make this one of the best hotels in Houston.

Image courtesy of Romtomtom from Flickr

Self-Cater at Farmer’s Markets

To keep food costs low and your diet on track take advantage of the fact that Houston has six different farmer’s markets where you can stock up on everything from micro-greens and local honey to free-range meat and coffee. Find the best location to suit your trip here.

Hike, Bike, and Walk Your Way Around Houston

With over 300 miles of bike paths, you’re able to move about the city on two wheels with ease. There are plenty of bike rental companies such as Bike Barn where you can reserve your bike online or the Houston city bike rental program B-cycle. Houston city parks offer more than 80 miles of trails which are ideal for the hiker or biker to explore, so there’s no excuse not to get out there!

See the Green Side of the City

The Bayou Bend is Texas’ biggest organic garden open to the public. Breathe deeply without fear, for there are no pesticides used in the garden; all-natural alternatives such as garlic and citronella are used to control the mosquitoes.

Snap your own pictures of the prized Duchess De Caze Pink Camellias and enjoy the beautiful blooms year round, though spring is especially nice.

Image courtesy of Patrick Feller from Flickr

Check Out the Ultimate Statement in Upcycling

Thankfully, it’s hip to be green these days and no one knows that more than John Milkovisch who proudly lives in the Beer Can House. This home’s exterior has been covered in a patchwork quilt of over 50,000 flattened beer cans. While this may not be on your decorating list, it’s certainly worth a visit for inspiration.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Even the Houston Astros have gone green: season tickets, brochures, and all other marketing material are made from recycled materials. The field is kept ever-green with a seaweed based fertilizer and only eco-friendly lightbulbs are used in the ballpark.

With so many eco-friendly things to do in Houston the only problem you have now is how to get more time for your upcoming trip!
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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