Everyone knows New York as a metropolis filled with towering skyscrapers, many architectural landmarks and iconic sites. But it is important to note that in the 21st century, New York is famous not only for its urban architectural masterpieces but also for its green tourism, which has become particularly popular among eco-conscious youth. Find out more at new-york.name.
Things to know about green tourism
Green tourism in New York is also known as ecological or sustainable tourism. A form of travel where tourists minimize their detrimental impact on the environment has gained significant popularity in the 21st century. Green tourism aims to maximize positive contributions to the conservation of the region’s natural resources.
The main goals of green tourism in NY in the current century include preserving biodiversity, protecting natural ecosystems, supporting local communities and cultural heritage, and most importantly, fostering economic development in regions without disrupting ecological balance.
New Yorkers who choose eco-tourism, plan to spend their trips in natural environments and learn about local culture and traditions. They support eco-friendly recreational activities and favor local products and services.
Green New York
Tourists and even many residents of New York may think that the concrete metropolis is far from green tourism, but this is not the case. There is plenty of lush greenery right in the heart of the city. Perhaps one of the main places is Central Park. There are spacious lawns, tranquil ponds and winding paths that invite leisurely strolls. This place is an example of how city authorities strive to preserve green spaces amid rapid development. Anyone who visits the park, consciously or not, becomes part of green tourism. Here, visitors can escape the urban noise and hustle, immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, enjoy a picnic or observe birds and animals at the local zoo.
Of course, in addition to Central Park, everyone in New York can find other green areas, where they can enjoy solitude with nature.
Another place where sustainable tourism is actively developing, thanks to the city authorities, is the High Line, a former elevated railway. This railway line has been transformed into a small linear park. Here, tourists have a unique opportunity to stroll among greenery while enjoying a magnificent view of New York. The renovation of this old infrastructure project was carried out according to all principles of sustainable development. City residents can find here a variety of plants as well as a rainwater collection system and eco-friendly materials.
Another popular destination among eco-tourists in NY is Brooklyn Botanic Garden. This is a true green oasis in the heart of Brooklyn. Visitors can walk through themed gardens, including the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden and the fragrant rose garden. Moreover, every person can learn more about sustainable gardening technologies and nature conservation methods that have been employed in the garden for many years.
More than just parks
It should be noted that New York is not just about parks and green oases amidst concrete jungles. Green tourism in New York has a much deeper meaning.
As we know, it’s impossible to visit NY without tasting the diverse culinary delights of the city. The city pleasantly surprises eco-tourists with its growing farm-to-table gastronomic zone. In the 21st century, many New York restaurants have begun to adopt this concept and are placing gardens right on their rooftops. Additionally, urban restaurants that implement eco-friendly methods, tend to buy ingredients locally. Thus, they reduce carbon emissions and also support small farmers and producers.
In New York, you can visit such eco-friendly establishments as:
- Clay, located at 553 Manhattan Avenue, Harlem, Manhattan. This venue is a very stylish eatery that adheres to green standards and sources fish, pasture-fed meat and seasonal produce from small local suppliers. Moreover, you’ll find exclusively natural producers on the wine list, and the gin for martini comes from Brooklyn’s Greenhook Ginsmiths. The pasta served at the restaurant is made in-house.
- Crave Fishbar, located at 945 Second Avenue, Midtown, Manhattan, Amsterdam Avenue and 428 Upper West Side, Manhattan. This establishment has been promoting sustainability for many years and is a reliable supplier of high-quality, and most importantly, environmentally friendly seafood. Moreover, the restaurant collaborates with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, which assesses the best choices for eco-friendly practices, as well as with Billion Oyster Project aimed at restoring the oyster reefs in New York Harbor. Among the restaurant’s signature dishes are super fresh sushi, crispy Nashville-style fish tacos, lobster curry and squid ink spaghetti with chopped shrimp.
- Dame, located at 87 MacDougal Street, Greenwich Village, Manhattan. This establishment offers visitors the tastiest and eco-friendly oysters and clams grilled or steamed. However, the excellent fish served with fries is the main highlight.
These are just a few of the eco-friendly restaurants and cafes in New York. In the 21st century, green business in the city has gained unprecedented popularity, so you can find hundreds of diverse diners here.
Environmental comfort in an urban setting
However, sustainable tourism in New York is not limited to environmentally friendly business. New York emphasizes sustainability and a commitment to an ecological future in every aspect.
Specifically, eco-tourists are offered not only captivating green spaces and eco-friendly products but also ecological comfort in local hotels.
Here are some of the eco-friendly hotels in New York that uphold the principles of green tourism:
- Hotel Central Park. Perhaps this is one of the leaders of green hotels. Its facade deserves special notice: wood combined with glass, surrounded by a living wall of English ivy. The hotel features a biophilic design, numerous green plants and exclusively natural materials. It’s important to mention that the hotel was built not just with natural and ecological materials but with reused ones. For instance, the wood that prevails in the hotel was produced from decommissioned water tanks. The parquet flooring was made from an old school basketball court. You can also find natural materials like brick and marble here. However, the hotel’s sustainability extends beyond the ecological level. Guests here are provided with toiletries made from organic cotton. Furthermore, cleaning of the rooms and the whole hotel is carried out in compliance with strict environmental measures and the use of special products. Of course, the hotel restaurant serves exclusively local and organic dishes from regional farms.
- Pendry Manhattan West is another popular hotel in the field of green tourism. At this hotel, tourists can find sustainable methods such as solar panels, a rooftop bee house and a rainwater purification system. It also has a curved all-glass facade that lets in lots of light. The rooms feature organic materials and minimalist decor.
- Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea is a small hotel that aims to minimize carbon emissions by eliminating plastic straws, stirring sticks and cocktail sticks. This hotel is one of the leaders in New York in reducing waste and pollution from single-use plastics. Furthermore, the hotel has hydration stations where guests can refill their reusable water bottles.
The 21st century is not only an era of technology and innovation but also a time of ecology and awareness. New York is committed to promoting sustainable development and environmental protection. Opportunities for green tourism are continuously being expanded. Today, the possibilities for green tourism in NY are virtually limitless, from spacious parks and gardens to eco-friendly restaurants and hotels. The city offers travelers numerous ways to lead an eco-conscious lifestyle, including travel that reduces their impact on the environment.
