This Earth Day 2019, and subsequent Earth Days to come, sounds the furious alarm of the dire state of our global environment. Whether or not you believe in climate change – if you do not, I’m judging you – you cannot deny an increase in marine plastic waste, microplastics in water and soil, single-use plastic waste causing injury to marine mammals and many more environmental issues.
With an academic and career background in environmental science/energy efficiency, I am very worried about the negative effects of global pollution of our water, food and general ecosystem which result in diminished health.
In recent years, I have begun overhauling my lifestyle to include the following:
- Eliminating single-use plastic (and plastic in general).
- Composting food scraps in zero-waste cooking.
- Incorporating reusable items into lifestyle.
Now, one isn’t saying get rid of all earthly possessions and go retire in a remote cave in Polynesia to be as environmentally sustainable as possible but we can all do a little bit more in our part to make our world much more pleasant for present use and for future generations.
It’s no secret that I love to travel and explore, whether at home in NYC or abroad, and travel sure does have its own environmental effects hence my passion and interest in combining travel and sustainability.
New York City definitely ranks in the top 20 of eco-friendly and sustainable cities – Euro cities take the top spots – and this post highlights how to spend an eco-friendly day in the Big (organic) Apple regardless of budget.
Without further ado, here goes:
Transport
Article Contents
Subway & Buses.
You arrive New York City and what is the most useful and eco-friendly way to traipse the city? Your two feet, obviously, but you know what I mean. The subway…or MTA as we “lovingly” refer to it through a love-hate relationship. Lol.
Despite its quirks and foibles, most MTA lines run 24/7 and for a low price of $2.75 per ride, you can go from borough to borough exploring the wonders of New York City.
Efficient public transportation has the capacity to do the following:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change
- Ease vehicular congestion on city streets
- Buses run on clean, non-fossil fuel energy
- Link under-served communities to services and activities
CityBike.
Ferry.
Sights & Attractions
You have chosen your sustainable transport of choice – or a combo of two – and you are ready to have an eco-friendly day in the city. What sort of green & eco-friendly sights are there to experience?
High Line.
This is an elevated and disused railway track once used to transport goods between the Hudson River in midtown west and the Meatpacking district in Chelsea West. It is presently an elevated green space with interesting art pieces present and views of Manhattan streets and street art from an elevated perspective.
If you’re keen on getting your cardio on, walk the High Line from W 30th and 10th Ave. down to Gansevoort on 12th, explore former industrial buildings of the era that are now Chelsea Market, Starbuck’s Roastery, high end restaurants and stores.
The Dig of No body art on the High Line.
Random sculpture from a gallery beneath the elevated High Line.
Roosevelt island
This little strip of island in the East River between Manhattan and Queens is a lovely escape from the NYC rat race especially in warmer months. The Promenade has lovely views of midtown Manhattan and in summer, it is a prime stretch for joggers and runners.
Governor’s Island.
This is a car-free island off the tip of downtown Manhattan open between May and October. To get around, tandem bikes, regular bikes, and even quad-bikes are available for rent. Scramble up a cluster of granite slabs appropriately termed The Scramble to get great views of downtown Manhattan, practice your climbing skills on a rock wall and experience the various art exhibits on the island. Every year sees new plants and the last one I witnessed was a small lavender garden. After the sights and food, lounge at Hammock Grove before returning to the pier for the ferry to Manhattan.
Ford Foundation Atrium.
“Huh?”, you say. “The atrium of a commercial building is eco-friendly?” Well, yes. Yes, it is. The Ford Foundation – 320 E 43rd St. – atrium is open to the public and you will see why when you pay a visit. It contains a subtropical garden with 12 stories of office space overlooking this green space. There are terraces, a still water pool, flowers and shrubs of all kinds and a serenity that is required in the concrete jungle that is NYC. This is why the building is NYC Landmark and is a rare green tip of eco-friendly things to do in a day in NYC.
Benefits of a Green Space.
- Certain plants purify the air of VOCs thereby improving indoor air quality.
- Creates a calm environment and improves work flow of staff.
- Provides natural indoor shade & cools indoor environment resulting in less energy consumption for central cooling systems.
Atrium. Pic from gallery of Ford Foundation.
Botanic Gardens.
New York City does not lack in botanical gardens full of floral and canopy ecosystems and the two popular ones are the New York Botanical Garden and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Pack a light picnic and book and enjoy the orchids, cherry blossoms in season and tropical forests as a green escape from the rat-race out there. Look out for free admissions i.e. BBG is free on Fridays before noon and they both have either free or discounted admission for children below twelve.
Eco-friendly Activities
Alley Pond Environmental Center.
This is in Queens and a slight bit of a hike but hey, MTA takes you everywhere. The Center offers environmental programs for adults, families and children near salt marshes, migrating birds, meadows and other natural sights. If you fancy a hike within a metropolitan area, this is the place with trails and forests for you. Eco-friendly activities on offer include forage walks, cooking classes, bird watches and unique activities for Earth Day like Swap ‘n’ Shop of gently used items. Alley Pond activities are either free or no more than $10. Call before arriving on weekends.
Union Square Farmers’ Market.
A very popular farmers’ market with organic produce from family and small farms in upstate New York and neighbouring states, it is a joy to walk through on weekends. I love getting homemade apple pies and desserts because not only are they delicious but they are free from inorganic chemicals that are so common in our food, we dismiss them. You know the ones: e – additives. Being sustainable isn’t just purchasing eco-friendly products but also patronizing small-scale farmers and produce growers who constitute the bulk of vendors here.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden.
Located on Staten Island, it is easy to forget that this is also a NYC borough. Sorry lol. Nevertheless, Snug Harbor is another oasis of nature and calm on the island. Just like Alley Pond, it has eco-friendly and green activities for Earth Day and year round like Composting classes via NYC Compost Project.
If you prefer a 90-min adult tour, there are options for gardens, galleries or historical tours.
Jacob Javits’ Green Roof.
Plogging. A portmanteau word coined from “pick up” and “jogging”, this green activity was begun by Swedes a few years go to clean up the environment while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Leave it to the Scandinavians to beat us all in fun and eco-friendly activities.
There are plogging Meetup groups happening all over NYC if you’re keen on meeting new people or you can take this one solo and plog along the High Line, Roosevelt Island, South Street Seaport or wherever running or jogging space is present.
#Trashtag. If you’re active on social media, you’ve certainly witnessed this viral environmental phenom of people cleaning up public spaces and displaying full bin bags of trash on social media.
I know what you’re thinking: “why do they have to do good and show off?” Sigh. We can debate all day the rise of attention-seeking from social media especially for young adults but if this attention-seeking results in a positive environmental effect like trash clean up, I say let it go, let it goooo…
Earth Day sees a #trashtag cleanup by NYC Parks on the Bronx River way up in the 200s and I know this is a major hike but there are Meetups and a Couchsurfing group or three that do this often.
Earth Day Grand Bazaar.
The Upper West Side holds a weekly bazaar at 100 W 77th St. but this Earth Day 2019, it transforms into an eco-friendly and sustainable open air market selling recycled material, jewellery, furniture etc from local artisans. There will also be small talks on how to reduce our environmental footprint and how to alleviate current environmental issues plaguing society.
Food and Drink
After all the walking, biking and activities, you’re in dire need of calories at this point. So, what do you eat in NYC that is eco-friendly, healthy & sustainable? A lot actually, and they don’t have to cost your first-born either.
The Butcher’s Daughter is a plant-based restaurant with locations in Manhattan & Williamsburg and I have it on my list to try very soon. Vegetarians, pescatarians & vegans will find favourites on the menu and it is a go-to spot in the city for some. Alternatively, try Ethiopian restaurants around the city for their vegetarian dishes.
If you prefer something fast aka fast food, please indulge in Bareburger with locations all over the city. I am seriously in love with this place because their vegan & vegetarian burgers and shakes are legit scrumptious! Don’t forget your bent glass straw or bamboo straws for your healthy shake.
How can I forget ice cream? Of course not! Van Leeuwen vegan ice cream flavours are so delish you will have no idea they are dairy-free if you are not told. Pop into any of the stores around the city: The Shops at Hudson Yards, 48 E 7th St. in the Village or 81 Bergen St. in Brooklyn.
In addition, the Saturday Smorgasborg at Williamsburg will overwhelm your senses with the plethora of food stands of all kinds, and of course, vegan, vegetarian & plant-based options are numerous. The season has begun so get here with the NYC ferry from Wall St./Pier or DUMBO, Brooklyn, to North Williamsburg and East River State Park. You will enjoy stunning Manhattan views from the green and pier. Carry a rePETe reusable bag to pack some extra treats to enjoy later on.
*Disclaimer: I’m pescatarian/plant-based but I do enjoy some lovely vegan meals and desserts when out and adapt fave meals at home when I can.
Lobsterdamus plate at Williamsburg Smorgasburg
Believe it or not, this is a complete plant-based dessert of pineapples, coconut & some other deliciousness I forget now. Williamsburg Smorgasborg.
Last but definitely not least is by CHLOE, a vegan & plant-based cafe serving absolutely delicious food and sweets. Again, another one on my to-eat list growing longer by the second.
Of course, there are tons of plant-based restaurants and cafes all over the city and you can fire up Yelp and type “plant-based + borough name” in search for a list. You can be more frugal and sup from the plethora of fruit carts on the road side or grab an affordable salad from any of the salad bars in the five boroughs of NYC dining with bamboo cutlery and sipping from your eco-friendly reusable water bottle.
The Last Word
Phew! That was a whirlwind tour of eco-friendly and sustainable activities to do in NYC if you seek a different kind of experience from the conventional. Mind you, these are great to do every Earth Day or any time you visit New York City. They aren’t limited to a particular season.
I hope you enjoy exploring all of New York City and that you find these green tips useful and enjoyable for a day trip or weekend getaway to the Big Apple.
Don’t forget to comment and share. See you on the social streets! xoxo
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47 Comments
Michael
April 14, 2019 at 11:38 pmWhen I visited the city years ago, I keep seeing city people with on their bikes so I hope it is still a trend that will never go away.
admin
April 16, 2019 at 1:06 amMore people on bikes now but not as much as major EU cities.
Samantha Donnelly
April 15, 2019 at 8:23 amGreat tips for anyone visiting NYC, especially if you can make it as eco free as possible I have friends visiting soon so will show them this post x
admin
April 16, 2019 at 1:05 amThank you! A lot to do here and these tips work for all seasons and everyone.
Elizabeth O
May 31, 2019 at 6:43 amWow..!!the lobsterdamus plate is truly mouthwatering..love to visit the place again..with new dishes in mind to try and enjoy..
Elena Toma
April 15, 2019 at 10:35 amI live in Amsterdam and as you know we bike a lot here not matter the weather conditions :)) It’s such a great way to stay fit, save some money because public transport can be quite expensive here and be nice to the planet. Also recently I changed all my light bulbs with smaller and more economic ones. Such a great post !
admin
April 16, 2019 at 1:04 amNice! Yes, I love Amsterdam for the biking and you guys are such experts at it lol.
MELANIE EDJOURIAN
April 15, 2019 at 2:28 pmCitybike sounds like a great environmentally friendly way to get about. I would love to visit the botanical gardens in NYC. Great tip about going in the morning on a Friday to BBG, thanks x
Marjie Mare
April 16, 2019 at 3:29 amI am nostalgic as I am reading this post. I used to leave in NJ and love going to NYC. I haven’t been for 6 months and this post is really bringing memories.
admin
April 18, 2019 at 1:05 amAwww! Then you need to return ASAP. There’s so much to see, as you know, and there are new experiences literally daily.
Dalene Ekirapa
April 16, 2019 at 12:47 pmSustainability is the way to go! I love green spaces and it’s nice when you can leave them as green as you found them without disposing off waste everywhere. Anyway, I would love to explore NYC on a bike!
admin
April 18, 2019 at 1:03 amThat’s fun too!
aisasami
April 16, 2019 at 11:53 pmI been to NYC about two times before but never been to these places. I have to check them out!
Liz
April 17, 2019 at 1:17 pmI have several friends in NYC but to be honest, we’ve never discussed about how eco-friendly and sustainable the place is, probably because we are busy with so many good things here. And yet forgot there are more important things to appreciate like this – thanks for featuring and with all the info. Great post.
admin
April 18, 2019 at 1:03 amThanks Liz!
Khushboo
April 17, 2019 at 3:14 pmWow all the above suggestions sounds fun to spend day in New York City. I would love to visit botanical gardens love Nature places
Paige Bainbridge
April 24, 2019 at 12:05 amWow! There’s so much good information here! I didn’t know about Roosevelt Island or Governor’s Island. I really want to go there next time I’m up in NYC. I really wanted to visit the High Line last time and ran out of time so that’s also on my list. And how cool would it be to do the Javits green roof tour and buy local honey? Thanks for all this –Paige Bainbridge (www.paigebainbridge.com)
admin
April 24, 2019 at 9:48 pmIt seems you have a lot to do upon your return, Paige. ;0)
Michael
April 24, 2019 at 8:21 amI would love a ferry ride in NYC. never tried it when I was there. I miss the city!
Kristine Nicole Alessandra
April 24, 2019 at 10:12 pmSo many things to do in NYC. I know most people would go there for shopping and enjoying the glitz and glam of NY but I would rather be in the less touristy places of the city – where I can enjoy nice views, lovely well maintained gardens and be awed at the things I get to discover in museums.
admin
April 24, 2019 at 11:04 pmMe too lol Luckily, parts of Brooklyn are not too tourist-heavy so I can escape Manhattan
Liz Bayardelle
April 24, 2019 at 10:28 pmI used to live in New York and this is such a fantastic list! I especially love City bikes. They were so much fun and so easy.
Jen
April 25, 2019 at 12:49 amWhat an awesome article!!! Turns out that NY City seems to be so eco friendly. The food sounds delicious. I know that people in NY love to walk, everywhere! And walking is the best way to people watch and find wonderful surprises.
admin
April 28, 2019 at 4:39 pmI so love people-watching lol.
Gena
April 26, 2019 at 1:09 amI have never heard of eco-friendly travel guides and I’m so glad you wrote the one for one of my favorite places in the world! I will follow it once I get there this summer
admin
April 28, 2019 at 4:38 pmThanks Gena! Holla when you’re in the city!
Ewuzie Kingsley
April 27, 2019 at 12:55 amWell, Never been or lived in New York, All the thing i know about the city were just the things i have seen in the movies or read but have always love to experience the city someday.. May favorite part o the city will be anyplace i will be with nature.
Cynthia / Adventuring Woman
May 14, 2019 at 4:55 amGreat tips, Kemi. You inspire me to do more eco-friendly things. Plastic is so ubiquitous and it really takes a conscious effort to reduce its use, whether that’s remembering to ask for no straw or bringing your own bags to the store. Keeping this list of eco-friendly activities for my next visit to NYC!
admin
May 18, 2019 at 8:02 pmThanks Cyn! It really takes a conscious effort to avoid and refuse plastic as even some “green” products contain a small amount for rigidity. Thankfully corporations are listening to consumers and making changes.
Talamay
May 18, 2019 at 6:56 amI totally want to try to plan an eco-trip to New York. This is a great guild to exploring the city in a new way.
admin
May 18, 2019 at 8:00 pmThank you! A different way to explore, no doubt.
Bindu Thomas
May 18, 2019 at 12:49 pmTotally agree with your concern on our environment. We need to go sustainable way in every city of the world, so that our children can live in a cleaner and healthier world. Very informative post on NYC too.
admin
May 18, 2019 at 7:59 pmThanks Bindu! We must make changes.
Anagha
May 18, 2019 at 4:11 pmFirst of all , I like you Article and Content format. It looks pro. 🙂 Food pics are delicious and craving. This place is yet to be visited in my travel list.
admin
May 18, 2019 at 7:59 pmThank you! Them you better come on down to the Big Apple soon. We’d be pleased to have you.
Helen Neale
May 19, 2019 at 1:24 pmWow, this place looks incredible. There’s so much to do and see there! Looks like a brilliant place to take the whole family
David Elliott
May 19, 2019 at 4:52 pmNYC is quite an amazing city with so many different things to see out there. This is a great list of ways to make sure you limit your footprint when you go and visit there. Lots of good things to remember.
pooja Malkani
May 19, 2019 at 5:03 pmThis is great info! I would love to spend a day like that. An ecofriendly day would be fun and i wish people could get more careful towards environment. Thanks for sharing
Annemarie LeBlanc
May 19, 2019 at 10:47 pmIt would be lovely to be able to ride a bike to explore the city. Not only would that be eco-friendly, it will also give me a chance to exercise and see the sights at a slower, more relaxed pace.
FS Page
May 20, 2019 at 8:33 amThis seems like a really unique post. No one would have thought of taking an eco-friendly trip to NYC. Sounds super interesting. I am in love with the islands. Thanks for the perspective.
Clarice
May 20, 2019 at 5:08 pmLove this idea! Thank you for sharing these tips on how to enjoy NYC the eco-friendly way. Bookmarked your post for future reference. Thank you for sharing.
admin
May 20, 2019 at 10:15 pmThanks Clarice. I hope you make it here and experience our eco-friendly city in full.
fashionandstylepolice
May 20, 2019 at 10:08 pmI would love to experience an eco-friendly day in the city one day. It sounds like a fantastic idea.
melissa major
May 22, 2019 at 11:24 amSome wonderful tips on being eco friendly in New York, I keep these ideas in mind for everyday and its important to remember to do them while travelling too
Ewuzie Kingsley
May 22, 2019 at 4:29 pmNew York really sounds interesting I love to be part of an eco friend environment such as this it’s really nice to know this and I will keep this in mind, till when faith brings me to New York, thanks for this educative post.
Viano Dee
August 12, 2019 at 10:53 pmAn eco friendly day in any city wouldn’t be a bad idea. I would love to experience it. Okay now can we talk about the food? Looks so yummy!
admin
August 14, 2019 at 2:32 amWe’re spoilt for food here and thank God my metabolism is rapid or else…! Lol.