16 Sep Green City Series: BOSTON
At Verte Luxe, we are passionate about supporting the environment in every part of our lives, including travel. “Eco-tourism” is on the rise – a movement centered on approaching travel and vacation-planning from a green perspective. This approach applies not only to the way in which we get where we’re going… but the eco-friendly aspects of the destination itself.
This week, we’re highlighting the nation’s “cradle of liberty” – Boston, MA – as part of our Green City Series. Every so often, we like to feature “green cities” like Honolulu, Austin, and Chicago, doing their best to grow, plan, and function according to sustainable practices. Consistently named one of the “greenest” and “most walkable” U.S. cities, Boston has remained committed to sustainability for more than 20 years. The city’s green movement officially began in 1999 with Mayor Thomas Menino and has since impacted nearly every aspect of planning and growth.
Here, we’ve put together just a small glimpse of what Beantown has to offer for eco-conscious travelers:
Go Green on Arrival…
Back in 2006, Boston’s Logan International Airport became the first to feature an LEED-Certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) terminal… and today, they remain staunchly committed to green building efforts. The environmentally-conscious design measures in Terminal A include waterless urinals, low-flow faucets, self-dimming lights, a heat-reflecting roof, and energy-efficient windows. The newer Terminal E is also LEED-Certified, and the airport publishes an Annual Sustainability and Resiliency Report to keep travelers updated on their progress.
Where to Stay…
If you’re looking for places that prioritize eco-friendly travel, Boston’s got your back. With more than 127 certified Energy Star accommodations, this city is all about green tourism. The Lenox Hotel – one of the first to focus on sustainable hospitality – features energy-efficient windows and recycling programs. In the heart of downtown, upscale The Boxer features in-room recycling and optional housekeeping to help cut down on waste.
Even non-boutique hotels, like the Marriott Courtyard Boston – Copley Square, are making strides toward low-impact hospitality, offering dining discounts and other rewards incentivizing guests to reuse linens and towels. Groups like Boston Green Tourism are helping to advance the green movement by providing resources and other information to “help hotels improve their environmental performance.”
Getting Around…
Public transit is a no-brainer in Beantown, with popular subway system “The T” providing streamlined, easy access to most areas of the city. Pay-as-you-go Bixi bikes are also readily available, with 290 stations and 3,750 docking points inviting you to see the sights from a two-wheeled perspective. Prefer to cab it? Go for it guilt-free, because the city replaced most of its taxi fleet with eco-conscious hybrids in 2015.
Filling Your Plate…
When it’s time to fuel your body, Boston has no shortage of Green Restaurant Association-certified eateries to satisfy every taste and craving. Judged according to eight rigorous environmental-impact categories, such as “sustainable food,” “chemical and pollution reduction,” and “water efficiency,” these establishments are required to stay ahead of green advancements in order to keep their nationally-recognized certification. Visit the Green Restaurant Association website and click on “Find Restaurants” to search from a drop-down menu of cuisine options.
Filling Your Schedule…
For families, the LEED-Certified Boston Children’s Museum is full of hands-on learning opportunities. Green rooftops, recycled materials, and a water reclamation system make this destination a decidedly eco-friendly option.
Meanwhile, kids and adults alike will love visiting the Boston Common. As the country’s oldest park, these 50 acres of green space serve as the focal point connecting the city’s vast network of neighborhoods. Boston also happens to feature the nation’s first public botanical garden, aptly-named The Public Garden. There, you can share in the century-old pastime of pedaling the Lagoon in a self-powered Swan Boat. Take in the sights and sounds of the Victorian-style garden that is home to more than 80 plant species (and is a popular wedding destination as well!)
Ready to plan your trip to this cultural and environmental hub? Learn more about the wonders of Boston here on the city’s website.