The Most Eco-friendly Spots in New York

New York offers an amazing abundance of tourist attractions, countless cultural sights, and a buzzing nightlife. So it’s no wonder that the metropolis attracts a record number of tourists every year. The city that never sleeps has been described as the financial and cultural capital of the world. But did you know that it’s also one of the most eco-friendly places to live in the U.S.? Try something new on your next New York trip and check out the city’s green side by visiting its top environmental sights. For accommodation, look no further than Wimdu. We have a large range of top quality New York apartments to suit all budgets and tastes

The High Line

The High Line is one of the most enjoyable places to visit in NYC on a sunny day. It’s a linear park built on a former elevated freight rail line that runs from the Meatpacking District through Chelsea to the northern edge of the West Side Yard. You can walk through wildflowers and grasses while taking in panoramic views of the Hudson River, the street life below, and the surrounding buildings. The park is a prime example of turning an industrial space into a green, recreational space for the public. This innovative project could be realized thanks to the civic engagement of Friends of the High Line, a group founded by community residents in 1999 to preserve and reuse the train tracks as a public space.

High Line Park NYC. Photo by David Berkowitz via FlickrCC.

A Rooftop Farm

For urbanites, visiting a farm does not necessarily entail a trip to the countryside anymore. You can witness local food production combined with the concept of green roofs first-hand in NYC. Three rooftop farms offer visitors the chance to acquaint themselves with this sustainable practice. One option is Brooklyn Grange which operates the world’s largest rooftop soil farms. You can visit the farm during the season or participate in a workshop. Or make your way to Eagle Street Rooftop Farms which is based in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. They offer tours and visits as well as educational workshops and sell their produce directly from the rooftop during growing season. If you are interested in hydroponics, Boswyck Farms, an educational rooftop hydroponic farm located in Bushwick, Brooklyn is for you. It is recommended that before you go and check out those special rooftops that, you check the respective homepages for visitor hours.

Brooklyn Grange. Photo by Joe Wolf via FlickrCC.

Union Square Greenmarket

If you don’t want to make your way up to a roof but still want to get your hands on some local produce and connect with regional farmers, check out this farmer’s market in Union Square. This famous market was founded in 1976 and has grown immensely since then. During peak season, 140 local farmers, fishers, and bakers sell their goods to New Yorkers. If Union Square is not the right location for you, Greenmarket runs more than 50 other farmer’s markets all over the city.

Greenmarket Union Square. Photo by Phil Roeder via FlickrCC.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest bird sanctuaries in the northeastern United States and the best place in New York City to observe migrating species. The park’s landscape comprises various rare native habitats such as salt marsh, upland field and woods, several fresh and brackish water ponds and an open expanse of bay and islands. You can hike the trails on your own to discover the landscape and wildlife, but there is also the possibility of taking a guided tour, going on a boat trip or taking part in a lecture. You can check out different events in their calendar.

Yellow-Crowned Night Heron at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Photo by A. Drauglis via FlickrCC.

Queens Botanical Garden

Queens Botanical Garden is a green oasis in the middle of Queens consisting of 39 acres of rose, bee, herb and perennial gardens. In 2001, the garden launched the Sustainable Landscapes and Buildings Project, which aims to teach and practice sustainability using a variety of innovative methods. For example, the Visitor & Administration Center was built to display water management, landscape integration, energy conservation, and renewable energy generation. It achieved the highest level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification from the US Green Building Council and has received the Green Building Design Competition Award. On the Green Trail, you can find out all about how sustainability is practiced at Queens Botanical garden and learn how to implement green actions at home. So hop on a train to Queens and check out the center.