Going Green in Miami

By Briana Casali, Mondoexplorer Editor

Wasn’t it Kermit the Frog who said, “it isn’t easy being green?” Well, a short time ago, this is a sentiment that could have been echoed by the whole of Miami society. However, the city, particularly Miami Beach and North Miami Beach, has done much over the last year to promote itself as an environmentally concerned city, and while we are certainly no Portland, Oregon, (yet) the local government, activist groups, residents, and the Florida department of the EPA have been making more noise than usual about turning this city green. Plus, as a traveler, the issue of Ecotourism (also known as sustainable travel or geotourism) is also one that’s on the rise lately in the news as more and more people take their at-home recycling or local-buying trends on the road with them. So, as all of you travelers out there become more concerned with the world at large (and not just the one outside your own front door), Miami is the perfect place to green-up your travel routine, because now, it actually is easier being green in this city. Here is a list of the best local resources that will ensure that your trip isn’t only good for you or your family, but for Mother Earth, too.

Stay

One of the easiest ways you can transform your trip into an eco-friendly experience is to choose a “green” hotel. Just exactly what is a green hotel? The Florida Department of Environmental Protection defines by requiring the hotels to fulfill environmentally friendly initiatives in six categories: education, waste reduction and recycling, water conservation, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and transportation. The hotels that make the grade in these categories then become a member of the Green Lodging program. For a full list of hotels that qualify, go to http://www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging/about.htm. In the meantime, here are Mondo Explorer’s top recommendations for green hotels in Miami.

Top Green Hotels

Cambean Hospitality Hotels. With four locations in South Beach, one of them is the famed Hotel Nash, each of these hotels received a green “makeover” earlier this year with the launching of Cambean Earth, the hotel groups new initiative to add eco-friendly features to their resorts.

Epic Hotel. This is a beautiful hotel in Miami, and it has over 40 environmentally-friendly practices in place.

Miami Beach Resort & Spa, www.miamibeachresortandspa.com. This hotel has done much lately to go green. Guests can now enjoy recycling services, green dry cleaning services, towel reuse, and low water flow, just to name a few things. Unfortunatelly you can't book it at Mondoexplorer, but it is important you know about it!

Canyon Ranch. The ultimate spa getaway in North Miami Beach, you’ll not only enjoy their amazing beachfront views and relaxing ambience, but it’s all about wellness here, wellness for the mind, body, spirit, and for the environment. The hotel itself has several eco-friendly features in place, and the Canyon Ranch Grill boasts several items, many organic, from locally grown and sustainable producers.

Eat and Stay Green

Organic anyone?

Supporting the local economy at your destination point is a great way to promote sustainable living. There are several restaurants in Miami that not only offer organic meals but that also buy locally-harvested products. Remember, Miami is a place that is rich in vegetation, fresh fish, and all-around amazing food products (how many cities in the U.S. offer organic French-Jamaican tapas? See Barbu). There are tons of local fruit and vegetable growers in South Florida, so keep your eyes peeled for businesses who support these local producers. Be sure to follow your meal up at Soli, Miami’s only organic ice cream store. If you’d rather just follow the food to its source, though, and experience truly authentic organic dining, take a ride out to Paradise Farms where you will dine outdoors on freshly harvested produce and veggies (take it from us, this will be one of your most memorable dining experiences ever). Here are our favorites for organic eating in Miami: more