NYC Green Guide

Discover NYC's Sustainable Gems

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Explore NYC's green places & spaces

Embark on a delightful journey through the eco-friendly delights that New York City presents, ranging from serene nature walks to sustainable hotels!

Hotel Accommodations

Ink 48 Hotel

Located in the heart of the vibrant Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, Ink 48 Hotel has 222 oversized, modern guestrooms and suites, many with soaring views of the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River. The huge penthouse boasts a 2,200-square-foot rooftop terrace with incredible panoramas. Dine on seasonal, sustainable cuisine at the onsite restaurant, PRINT., and clink cocktails at The Press Lounge, named one of the city's best rooftop bars by the New York Times. Environmentally friendly efforts throughout the property include water conservation, a guestroom recycling program and energy efficient LED bulbs. Plus, complimentary bikes let guests get around town sans carbon footprint!

653 11th Avenue at 48th Street

https://www.ink48.com/

1 Hotel Central Park

Nature finds its home at 1 Hotel Central Park, a luscious oasis in the middle of Manhattan. Adorned with roughly 40,000 living plants, constructed with over 6,000 square feet of reclaimed wood, and equipped with the most innovative energy-efficient systems—this Central Park sanctuary breathes sustainability into the heart of the bustling city that surrounds it.

1414 Sixth Avenue

https://www.1hotels.com/central-park

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

Nestled within the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge Park, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is a seamless extension of its natural surroundings. With an open pass-through that welcomes community members and visitors alike, a rainwater collection tank that supports the park’s irrigation systems, and intentional landscaping and design that echo the area’s rich history—immerse yourself in the skyline views, unique history, and natural beauty of Brooklyn Bridge.

60 Furman Street

https://www.1hotels.com/brooklyn-bridge/

Sustainable NYC Travel Tips

Discover a greener way to explore the vibrant streets of New York City with these sustainable travel tips:

THE NEST_BUTTERFLY 1 Input your travel journey into Route Zero for a list of the top most energy efficient ways to travel to NYC 

 

THE NEST_BUTTERFLY 1 Use Google Flights when booking your travel to find the route to Climate Week NYC with the lowest carbon emissions - here's how

 

THE NEST_BUTTERFLY 1 Pack your reusable water bottle of choice (here are a few Nest favorites: Hydro Flask's 24 oz Standard Mouth with Flex Straw CapThermo Flask's 24 oz Bottle with Both Chug Lid and Straw Lid, andYeti's 26 oz. Rambler®)

 

THE NEST_BUTTERFLY 1 Search the Tap app to find water bottle refill stations near you in NYC (make sure to filter your search by bottle!)

 

THE NEST_BUTTERFLY 1 Opt for reusable toiletry containers such as Cadence's capsule system made from recycled material – a unique blend of ocean-bound plastic and material scraps, Ries travel bottles made from recycled plastics, or Kitsch's non-toxic & environmentally friendly travel bottles

 

THE NEST_BUTTERFLY 1 Pedal your way through NYC via Citibike's day pass or single ride offerings 

 

THE NEST_BUTTERFLY 1 Utilize the extensive network of buses, subways, and trains to navigate the city - visit the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA)'s website or download their app for subway, bus, and rail schedules in and around NYC

 

Remember, small actions can collectively make a significant impact. Enjoy your sustainable journey through the bustling streets of New York City!

 

Restaurants & Cafes

Rosemary's

The original location of Rosemary's, opened in 2012, is a Greenwich Village staple for seasonal salads, handmade pastas, a rooftop garden, and  a view overlooking Jefferson Market Garden.

Rosemary's features an urban-farmhouse design, accessible seasonal Italian menus and neighborly hospitality.

18 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011

http://rosemarysnyc.com/

Gallow Green at the McCitrick Hotel

New York’s best-kept secret in full bloom atop The McKittrick Hotel. Experience a whimsical and flourishing garden escape with seasonal cocktails and a spring menu. 

542 West 27th Street

https://mckittrickhotel.com/gallow-green/

P.S. Kitchen

P.S. Kitchen's mission is to leverage the power of earth-conscious food and an open heart to lovingly serve our clients, employees, society, and the earth.

They partner with social ventures and charities to empower the pursuit of justice and generosity, locally and internationally.

P.S. Kitchen's partnerships reflect a threefold commitment:

1. Create jobs for the marginalized in New York

2. Donate 100% of profits to sustainable non-profit work

3. Provide New Yorkers with delicious dishes that are kind to the body and the earth

246 W 48th St.

https://www.ps-kitchen.com/

Market Table

Market Table is a neighborhood American restaurant that opened 2007 by Chefs Mike Price & Joey Campanaro, located in the West Village of NYC. Their American farm-to-table menus are influenced by Chef Price's childhood on his family farm in Maryland. Market Table's seasonal menus celebrate the best of market's bounty. Located at the corner of Carmine and Bedford Streets, their airy dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows offer an unparalleled view onto West Village life.

54 Carmine St.

https://www.markettablenyc.com/

 
Il Fiorista

With sustainability and social responsibility at the core of their mission, Il Fiorista sources food, flowers and herbs both locally and regionally; employs water-use reduction and composting methods to reduce its environmental impact; and uses recyclable and compostable packaging whenever possible.

17 W 26th St.

https://www.ilfioristanyc.com/

Olmsted

Olmsted is a neighborhood restaurant in the heart of Prospect Heights from chef-owner Greg Baxtrom (of Patti Ann's, Five Acres, & Olmsted). We offer a seasonal, ingredient-driven menu, some of which comes straight from our backyard garden (yes, you’re welcome to sit there for a drink and a bite). We built the entire 50-seat restaurant with a living wall and lush garden ourselves, and named it after Frederick Law Olmsted, the famed architect behind nearby Prospect Park.

659 Vanderbilt Ave. Brooklyn NY 11238

Bell Book & Candle

The food program at BB&C revolves around local, organic, sustainable and overall responsible procurement. The menu cycles are seasonal and heavily influenced on production from the aeroponic roof-top garden.

Finding inspiration in the regions of America and focusing on the contemporary aspect and eclecticism of the melting pot, BB&C’s food strives for an element of originality and individualism.

141 W 10th St. # A

https://www.bbandcnyc.com/

Scarpetta

The philosophy of Scarpetta’s kitchen is to create bold flavors by amplifying the essence of seasonal ingredients. The signature pastas are made in-house daily and are paired with the highest quality, locally sourced ingredients. Scarpetta first launched in New York City’s Meatpacking District in 2008 with a coveted 3-star review from the New York Times. Upon celebrating its ten year anniversary in 2018, the NYC flagship located moved to The James Hotel in New York City’s dynamic NoMad District, expanding the restaurant and the Scarpetta story.

Certified Green by the Green Restaurant Association

88 Madison Avenue at The James Hotel Nomad – New York

https://www.scarpettarestaurants.com/

 
Via Carota

Via Carota is the West Village gastroteca of cherished downtown chefs Jody Williams and Rita Sodi. Inspired by the 17th-century villa in the hills near Florence which Sodi once called home, Via Carota honors old-world Italian roots, life style, food and decor. Their Village gastroteca is thoughtfully renovated: wooden floors reclaimed from an old gymnasium, vintage chapel chairs from England and rustic wooden cabinets filled with heirloom china. For bel tempo pleasure there are eight outdoor tables on the tree-lined sidewalk. Via Carota is open all day long serving food and drink, early until late in a true gastroteca fashion.

Via Carota is a 2 Star Certified Green Restaurant® located in the West Village which has taken 36 environmental steps to earn over 160 GreenPoints™. With 23% vegetarian main dishes, this restaurant is offering their customers sustainable meal options. Via Carota has also implemented a recycling food waste composting program to reduce up to 90% of their restaurant’s from ending up in a landfill.

Certified Green by the Green Restaurant Association

51 Grove Street

https://www.viacarota.com/

 
Le Botaniste

Le Botaniste's story begins in Ghent, Belgium, celebrated for nearly two decades as a vegetarian haven in Europe. The city is actively implementing measures to reach a goal of 100% carbon neutrality by 2050. Thursdays are known locally as Donderdag Veggiedag, or “Thursday Veggie Day,” and each week, up to half the population enjoys vegetarian or vegan meals, home cooking, or plant-based food delivery. 

Inspired by Ghent’s thriving dining scene and the healthy eating it encourages, Alain and his partners opened the first Le Botaniste location there in September of 2015. They filled the organic vegan restaurant and natural wine bar with food-themed original art, 19th century apothecary-inspired accents, and lush indoor plants to encourage a sense of vitality. Four months later, they opened a second location on New York City’s Upper East Side, expanding the concept of quick, healthy, easy-going and comforting food, focused on quality, freshness, and local traceable ingredients. These core elements have allowed the team to consistently adapt and encourage smarter and healthier consumption.  

Today, the Le Botaniste team serves its beloved organic food in three locations in Belgium—one in Ghent, two in Brussels—and four locations in New York City: Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Soho, and Midtown East. 

11 W 42nd St (Other locations)

https://lebotaniste.us/

 
Pisticci

Pisticci invests in high efficiency kitchen equipment and lighting, composts their waste, uses recyclables, and teaches their staff and customers sustainability best practices they can incorporate into their every day life.

After maximizing their efforts to reduce consumption and waste, Pisticci powers their restaurant by wind only, and offsets the rest by planting trees. They were the first restaurant in NYC to be 100% Carbon Neutral and hope one day to actually be carbon negative.︎

Rather than throw offcuts away, Pisticci collects, composts, and fertilizes with them. This makes their food more nutritious, keeps it out of landfills, and brings consumption habits full circle.︎ ︎

Certified Green by the Green Restaurant Association

125 La Salle St.

http://www.pisticcinyc.com/

Shake Shack, Madison Square Park

Shake Shack sprouted from a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park in Manhattan to support the Madison Square Park Conservancy’s first art installation. The cart was quite the success, with Shack fans lined up daily for three summers.

An instant neighborhood fixture, Shake Shack welcomes people from all over the city, country and world who gathered together to enjoy fresh, simple, high-quality versions of the classics in a majestic setting. The rest, as they say, is burger history.

23rd St. and, Madison Square Park, Madison Ave.

https://shakeshack.com/location/madison-square-park-ny/

Sustainable Wine & Cocktail Bars

Have & Meyer

Have & Meyer's Italian wines come from conscious winegrowers and reflect their unique personality together with their hard work, heart and passion. They serve more than 100 natural wines by the glass, giving you the opportunity to try something you may have missed otherwise.

What is most important to them is the very close relationship with our small producers and winegrowers. Have & Wine loves to meet them and see how they cultivate the ingredients that we love. They share the same values of sustainability, respect for the soil and the biodiversity of our planet Earth.

103 Havemeyer St, Brooklyn

https://www.haveandmeyer.com/

The Ten Bells

The Ten Bells has quietly existed within the hustle and bustle of New York City's LES since 2008. Our cozy, dimly-lit den offers unpretentious atmosphere, perfect for an intimate gathering or a spontaneous after-work drink. We strive to introduce you to the world of natural wines, wines produced from organic or biodynamic grapes with very little intervention from the winemaker. Our wine list brings you an unusual selection from small producers.

Our food, largely tapas style, is carefully crafted by our chef to complement the wines, but not to overshadow them. Whether you decide to stroll in for the best $1 oyster happy hour in NYC and share a carafe of wine with a friend, or make a reservation for a party in one of our private rooms, our friendly staff is here to make you feel at home. Wine is our passion and we are happy to share it with you at The Ten Bells.

247 Broome St.

https://www.tenbellsnyc.com/

The Butcher's Daughter

The Butcher’s Daughter is a plant-forward restaurant, cafe, juice bar, and “vegetable slaughterhouse."  

They treat fruits and vegetables as a butcher would meat: chopping, filleting & carving fresh produce into healthy vegetarian dishes and pressing them into pretty juices.  

581 Hudson St.

https://www.thebutchersdaughter.com/location/the-butchers-daughter-west-village/

Soda Club

Soda Club is the Avenue B-based Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded Vegan Wine & Pasta Bar. Featuring more than 200 natural and organic wines from around the globe— curated by Co-Owner & Wine Director Drew Brady—Soda Club serves plant-based Italian dishes focusing on fresh pastas.  

Soda Club 155 Avenue B 

https://www.overthrowhospitality.com/venues/sodaclub

Rhodora Wine Bar

From the team behind the sustainable Brooklyn concepts Rucola, June and Purslane, Rhodora Wine Bar strives to be the first zero waste wine bar of its kind in the country.

Sustainability and respect for humans and the environment are the core tenants of the program and guide both the food and beverage choices, as well as the operations of the restaurant as a whole.

The Oberon Group has a long-standing commitment to sustainability and combating climate change. With the opening of Rhodora, owner Henry Rich and  director Halley Chambers have built a program that will send absolutely nothing to landfill. No single-use plastics will be utilized or accepted into the space, and the group will only source and utilize products across its food, beverage, and operations that can be recycled, up cycled, or composted. Decisions around food and beverage are guided by this foundational ethos - a commitment to minimizing waste wherever and however possible. Similarly, decisions around staffing and our business model are guided by sustainability and respect for the people who work in the space.

The concept’s menu celebrates natural, low-intervention wine with accompanying conservas, or tinned fish, rounded out by cheese and vegetable offerings to snack on or to enjoy as a full meal. By featuring small-farm, natural winemakers, the Rhodora team partners with wine producers who share a similar respect for the land and environment, working against the often harmful impacts of large-scale wine manufacturing.

In addition to the space’s commitment to the environment, Rhodora is reimagining the typical restaurant hierarchy, putting forward a new staffing model where team members are cross-trained to excel at each position in the space. In eliminating the traditional divide between front of house and back of house, Rhodora aims to cultivate a culture of respect and empathy for each position and role. In addition, the staff will receive ten percent of profits on a quarterly basis.

197 Adelphi St.
Brooklyn, NY, 11205

https://www.rhodorabk.com/

June

June is a natural wine bar and restaurant in historic Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. The space invokes la generation perdue of Paris by way of Brooklyn. June has one foot planted in the Roaring Twenties of Europe and simultaneously contemporary New York City.

The kitchen at June is focused on cooking ingredient-driven, clean, contemporary food with eclectic influences.

There are three distinct spaces at June; the main dining room/bar, the patio, and the garden.

231 Court St. Brooklyn, NY

https://www.junebk.com/

Green Sites & Experiences

Little Island

Little Island, born from a collaboration of the UK-based Heatherwick Studio and the New York-based landscape architecture firm MNLA, showcases an imaginative design that offers all New Yorkers and visitors a public space that is whimsical, captivating, and restorative. This visionary partnership has not only created a stunning visual spectacle but also ensured that sustainability remains at the core of Little Island's essence. From its self-sustaining ecosystem to its use of renewable energy sources, this park stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in creating a sustainable urban oasis in the heart of New York City.

Pier55 in Hudson River Park West 13th Street,
New York NY 10014

https://littleisland.org/

 

littleisland-qa1

Photo by Timothy Schenck

The High Line

The High Line is a prime example of urban sustainability and repurposing. Built on a historic elevated railway track, the High Line has been transformed into a vibrant public park that showcases sustainable design and practices. The park incorporates native plantings, green infrastructure, and rainwater harvesting systems, reducing stormwater runoff and promoting biodiversity. Additionally, the High Line encourages alternative transportation by providing pedestrian-friendly pathways and bike lanes, reducing reliance on cars and promoting a greener, healthier cityscape. Its adaptive reuse of existing infrastructure not only preserves the city's history but also promotes sustainable development and serves as a model for transforming underutilized spaces into thriving, environmentally conscious urban areas.

Elevators are located at:

• Gansevoort Street and Washington Street (Northwest corner)
• 14th Street and 10th Avenue (Southwest side)
• 23rd Street and 10th Avenue (Southeast side)
• 30th Street and 10th Avenue (Southeast side)

Park-level access is also available at 30th Street at Hudson Yards. The Western Rail Yards between 30th and 34th Streets and 11th Avenue and the West Side Highway are currently closed for the season.

https://www.thehighline.org/

 

gallery_byphotog_2197_timothyschenck

Photo by Timothy Schenck

Governors Island

Governors Island is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and ecological preservation. As a prime example of adaptive reuse, the island has been transformed from a former military base into a thriving sustainable oasis. The island's sustainable practices include extensive recycling and composting programs, as well as the use of renewable energy sources like solar power. It boasts a car-free environment, promoting alternative transportation methods such as bicycles and electric shuttles. Governors Island also serves as a living laboratory for innovative green technologies, hosting sustainable infrastructure projects and educational programs that promote environmental awareness and conservation. With its dedication to sustainability, Governors Island serves as a testament to the potential of repurposing urban spaces to create sustainable, eco-friendly destinations that inspire both visitors and residents alike.

https://govisland.com/

 

The-Hills-Governors-Island-Timothy-Schenck-2-1-1050x704

Photo by Timothy Schenck

The Javits Green Roof Tour

The Javits Center's expansive rooftop garden spans over 6.75 acres and is one of the largest green roofs in the United States. Designed with environmental conservation in mind, the green roof helps to mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce stormwater runoff, and provide habitat for local wildlife. It features a diverse array of native plants and trees, creating a tranquil and biodiverse oasis amidst the bustling cityscape. Moreover, the Javits Center offers public tours that provide visitors with a unique opportunity to explore this green marvel up close. These guided tours allow participants to learn about the green roof's sustainable design, its ecological benefits, and the innovative technologies employed to maximize energy efficiency and water conservation. The tours not only inspire and educate visitors about the importance of green infrastructure but also promote a deeper understanding of sustainable practices that can be applied to other buildings and urban spaces.

429 11th Avenue
New York, NY 10001

https://javitscenter.com/sustainability/tours/

 

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Photo by Javits

New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is not only a breathtaking oasis of flora and fauna but also a pioneer in sustainable practices. Spanning 250 acres in the Bronx, the NYBG prioritizes environmental conservation and education. The garden employs sustainable land management techniques, such as organic gardening methods, composting, and integrated pest management, to minimize the use of harmful chemicals and promote healthy ecosystems. The NYBG also actively participates in plant conservation efforts, conducting research and conservation projects to preserve endangered plant species. Moreover, the garden's infrastructure is designed with sustainability in mind, utilizing energy-efficient technologies, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting systems. Through its educational programs and exhibits, the NYBG raises awareness about the importance of biodiversity, ecological balance, and sustainable gardening practices, inspiring visitors to embrace sustainable living and become stewards of the natural world.

2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458

https://www.nybg.org/

 

nybg

Photo by the New York Botanical Garden

Union Square Greenmarket Monday

Union Square Greenmarket, held every Monday in the vibrant Union Square neighborhood of New York City, is a bustling hub of sustainable agriculture and local food culture. This weekly market brings together farmers, growers, and producers from the region, offering an impressive array of fresh produce, artisanal foods, and unique products. Visitors can browse through a vibrant display of seasonal fruits and vegetables, organic meats, farm-fresh eggs, honey, cheeses, and much more. What sets the Union Square Greenmarket apart is its commitment to supporting local farmers and promoting sustainable farming practices. The market ensures that all vendors adhere to strict standards of sustainable agriculture, including the use of organic and environmentally friendly farming methods. This not only provides shoppers with high-quality, locally sourced products but also helps to reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. Union Square Greenmarket on Mondays offers a delightful opportunity for residents and visitors alike to connect with local food producers, support sustainable agriculture, and savor the flavors of the season.

Union Square W &, E 17th St, New York, NY 10003

https://www.grownyc.org/greenmarket/manhattan-union-square-m

 

grownyc

Photo by GrowNYC

The Climate Museum at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

#d5dee8

The Climate Museum is partnering with Brooklyn Botanic Garden and The Nature Conservancy on a 2023 exhibition and program series, running from June 17 to October 22, titled "You Can Make A Difference On Climate". The exhibit features a climate action sticker wall, seen below, features a variety of inspiring and achievable climate actions for people to choose from when interacting. 

Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Conservatory Gallery

Entrances:
150 Eastern Parkway
455 Flatbush Avenue
990 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11225

https://climatemuseum.org/you-can-make-a-difference-on-climate

 

Photo by The Climate Museum

Eco-Conscious Shopping

Discover conscious shopping at your fingertips with an ever-expanding array of partners providing cutting-edge sustainable shopping tools.

 

About Klarna’s sustainability efforts:

At Klarna, we believe that conscious shopping should be effortless, helping you make better shopping choices. You don’t have to be an expert to be a more conscious shopper. Let us do the heavy lifting.

Our aim is to provide transparency and help you make more informed shopping decisions by recognising and promoting brands’ efforts towards sustainability and providing CO2 emissions insights for purchases.

To learn more, visit: https://www.klarna.com/international/sustainability/

 

Discover Klarna’s tools that will ensure you shop consciously for Climate Week NYC:

Shop Conscious Brands.

At Klarna, we believe that conscious shopping should be effortless, helping you make better shopping choices.

We have partnered with Good On You, fashion’s most trusted sustainability ratings platform, to help you find more conscious fashion brands. Shop brands that have been rated 4 (Good) or 5 (Great) by Good on You.

Explore conscious brands >>

Discover Pre-owned.

Rather shop pre-owned? Instead of buying new, give products a second life. Discover brands and retailers that offer pre-owned products.

Shop pre-owned >>

Use sustainability product filters.

Use Klarna's search tool, apply 'sustainability information' filters to choose products that rely on 3rd party certifications from FSC, The Vegan Society, GRS, PETA, and more.

Discover products >>

Track your CO₂e impact while shopping with Klarna.

With our CO₂e emission tracker, you can now easily track the carbon footprint of your shopping with Klarna, right in our app. Gain insights into your environmental impact and learn how you can make a contribution based on your CO₂e.

Work with a sustainable establishment in the five boroughs?

 

Submit your organization's information below for a chance to be featured in our NYC Green Guide!

 

 

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Join the Action

Join The Nest Climate Campus September 24-26, 2024 for an action-packed agenda of climate solutions, knowledge-sharing, and connectivity. 

REGISTER TO ATTEND