Boston gained a rough and tough reputation in films, but in reality it’s been an eco-friendly metropolis for the past eight years.
When people mention Boston, many images come to mind including colonial history, various sports teams, mob movies, and Cape Cod, but what about sustainability? The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy ranked Boston as the number one city for energy efficiency on their City Clean Energy Scorecard from 2013-2019. Since then, they’ve slipped down a few spots in the rankings, but still firmly remain in the top 5 cities.
If you’re visiting Boston and need to get to and from the airport in style, while still respecting mother nature, then download the Blacklane app to book a 100% carbon offset ride. Since 2017, all of our rides have been automatically carbon-offset and now we’re working on offsetting all of our carbon emissions back to our founding in 2011. Plus, electric vehicles are incorporated into our First and Business Class offerings! Travel comfortably and with the peace of mind that you’re lightening your impact on the earth.
No matter what your travel plans are, the city will be sure to pleasantly surprise you with all of its sustainable offerings.
Accommodations
Want to be able to rest your feet somewhere eco-friendly? Then the Lenox Hotel is the place to go. They were one of the first American hotels to offer a towel reuse program and have since received several awards while expanding their portfolio of sustainability initiatives. Plus, it’s less than three miles away from Boston Logan International Airport, which has also been listed as one of the most environmentally friendly airports in the world. A shorter commute will make for decreased emissions, but this isn’t the only environmentally friendly hotel in the city.
The Seaport is noted as one of the greenest hotels in North America and is considered a leader in social and environmental initiatives. From their in-room recycling to their smart energy roofing system, complete with plants to reduce atmospheric heat, this hotel situated on the South Boston waterfront will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.
Another favorite is The Colonnade Boston, which has its sustainability practices baked into everything they do. In this contemporary hotel, high-class amenities like rooftop pools and elegant ballrooms meet non-toxic cleaning products, recycling initiatives, and energy efficient lighting and windows. They’re even around the corner from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, which boasts magnificent artworks from across the globe and regularly updated horticultural displays.
Food
Once the hunger hits, the city has a variety of eco-conscious upscale restaurants to satiate your appetite. In Cambridge, you can visit Puritan & Company, which serves modern American cuisine with a special focus on traditional New England fare. Their ingredients are all sourced from local farms, so you can enjoy a delectable dinner while knowing exactly where it came from.
If you’re looking for an intimate experience, then Ten Tables in Jamaica Plains will be sure to delight you. This farm-to-table restaurant serves handcrafted, seasonal cuisine with a focus on local and organic produce, handmade pasta, and fresh seafood. As the name suggests, there are very few tables, so making a reservation ahead of time will save you from a potentially lengthy wait!
Attractions
Wondering where you can go for some sustainable fun? The Boston Museum of Science and the Harvard Museum of Natural History are both great places to start. The museums offer an unparalleled opportunity to learn and better understand nature and the world around us. However, if you’re looking to get a little more rugged, then the Boston Harbor Islands boasts a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation including hiking, camping, bird watching, and general exploration. This area is a vital ecological habit, so be sure to keep it clean during your visit.
If you’re getting a bit tired, but still want a little more, then Boston Green Cruises can take you on a private or public tour around the harbor. The company has successfully committed to emitting net-zero emissions and will show you around some of the most famous places in Boston, including a stop by the U.S.S. Constitution, while doing so.
