7 eco-friendly tips for visiting New York

1/ Pack smart for shopping in New York

• In New York stores, you’ll notice that even the smallest item gets bagged in plastic at checkout. Things have changed, though. After California, New York became the second US state to ban plastic bags. Since March 1, 2020, plastic bags have been prohibited, with some exceptions. The transition continues, as stores now distribute paper bags instead.
• Tip: When you shop in New York, let staff know you have your own bags. Bring one or two reusable cloth bags with you.

2/ Refill your water bottle

• Instead of throwing away your plastic water bottle, refill it. New York has plenty of drinking water fountains. You just need to know where to look. If you spot a park with a white flag and green maple leaf, there’s likely a water fountain nearby.
• Many restaurants and cafes offer free water. Public spaces generally have water fountains, often near restrooms. And remember: tap water is safe to drink throughout New York.

3/ Skip plastic straws in New York

• Since November 1, 2021, many restaurants and bars in New York have replaced plastic straws with paper or compostable alternatives. If you want a single-use plastic straw, you’ll need to ask for one.
• If you prefer no straw at all, politely ask: “Please, no straw.”

4/ Explore New York by bike

• On a nice day, grab a bike. One option is Citi Bike, New York’s bike-sharing system. A day pass costs $25 and includes 30-minute rides. The Citi Bike app is handy—it shows real-time bike availability at each station.
• Another option is renting a bike by the hour, half-day, or full day. You keep the bike with you and don’t have to worry about returning it to a station. You can rent bikes near Central Park. See the article on bike rentals in Central Park.

5/ Turn off the AC when you leave your hotel room

• You’ll quickly notice that air conditioning runs constantly in New York, day and night. Before heading out for the day, turn off the AC in your hotel room.
• Let housekeeping know you want to keep the AC off—sometimes staff turn it back on automatically. A polite note on the remote does the trick. In English, air conditioning is called “AC” (pronounced “ay-see”).

6/ Visit organic farmers markets

• New York’s farmers markets are quite different from those in Europe. They’re a great way to meet producers and farmers from New York State. You’ll find more and more organic producers at New York markets. Look for unique products like apple butter.
• The Union Square market is one of the largest in Manhattan. It’s open four days a week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

7/ Visit community gardens

• If you think New York is all skyscrapers, you’re in for a surprise when you visit Red Hook in Brooklyn. Perched on the edge of New York Harbor, this timeless neighborhood is home to one of the city’s largest community gardens. Tomatoes, carrots, and lettuce grow just blocks away from the hustle of Wall Street and the Brooklyn Bridge.
• To spend an afternoon gardening in the city or simply visit an urban farm, especially in Red Hook, feel free to contact us. We’d be happy to show you the green side of New York.