A SUSTAINABLE GUIDE TO CHICAGO: HOW TO BE MORE MINDFUL

Last Updated on 8th August 2024 by Bejal

Chicago is a wonderful city famed for its outstanding architecture, cultural activities, it’s lakeside location and it’s diverse foodie scene but this vibrant metropolis in Illinois is most certainly doing its bit for eco-tourism. If you are looking for more ways to explore this city in a greener fashion, read on for our top tips and recommendations on a sustainable guide to Chicago.. The guide includes, transport options, places to stay, the best green spaces and attractions as well as where to eat and drink, based on our own experiences in the city. 

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When is the Best Time to Visit Chicago? 

Chicago can be visited anytime of the year but we wouldn’t always recommend the winter months unless you love the old, windy gusts or even the snow! Although flights and hotel prices will be much more cost effective, you may not be able to walk around the city as much as you’d like and have in stead to rely more on transport. 

Spring and autumn are a perfect time to visit, still with relatively good weather and less crowds. Spring sees beautiful blossom flowers and the start of the landscape turning greener, whereas Autumn will see the start of the rich red and golden hues with crisp mornings. 

Summer is rather crowded and busy but if you can stand the crowds and pretty hot and humid temperatures, you’ll be able to make full use of the 29 or so beaches located around Lake Michigan. You’ll also be able to do lots of walking which of course is a very sustainable way to explore. 

Related Article: The Best Photo Locations in Chicago: A City Guide

Sustainability Initiatives By The City of Chicago Government Department

It’s really refreshing to see that the people at the top in Chicago are placing a priority on sustainability and environmental initiatives with a huge focus on producing and updating policies. With investments in energy efficiency, Chicago is trying to introduce and integrate eco-friendly awareness in residents’ workplaces, homes, outdoor spaces as well as educate on the importance of climate action. Naturally, a more greener Chicago requires commitment and co-operation from local businesses and institutes in the city. 

Areas in which the city is taking particular Actions:

• Water
• Air & Natural Resources
• Energy
• Waste Management & Recycling
• Green Buildings & Homes
• Transport
• Smart Grids
• Retrofit Chicago 
• Business & Environmental Permits

To read more on Chicago’s commitment to the environment and future, head over to Chicago City Government’s Sustainability & Environment Plans 

How to Be More Sustainable When Visiting Chicago

Here area some ways that you can adopt being a little more sustainable on your visit to Chicago

#1  Stay in a Hotel with a Defined Sustainability Policy

If you’re going to be spending most of your time in the actual city of Chicago to be close to many of the attractions and points of interest, you’ll be looking for accommodation that is pretty central. Here are a few hotels that have notable sustainable policies and are working towards further improvements with regards to reducing their carbon footprint.

We have personally stayed at The Hoxton Chicago and were impressed by their sustainability policy and commitment to the environment. The below hotels have been included based on their eco-friendly policies which include, recycling, reducing water consumption by having showers rather than baths, room laundering is only done on request of the guest. This includes bed sheets and towels. Many of these hotels have full size bath products instead of small plastic throwaways. Some are working towards Green Key certification, like the Hoxton and in progress of attaining this for any remaining hotels. Food waste is also prevented in these hotels as well as in room milk and water being delivered in card boxes. Infant water stations are located within the hotel so guests can fill up their own bottles. 

Many hotels do their bit by recycling, reducing water consumption via less room laundering of towels and sheets and have switched to having full size toiletries to reduce plastic use. Staypineapple is another hotel brand we’ve included who place sustainability on their priority list complimentary refillable water bottles, responsible waste management systems and staff training programmes. 

• The Hoxton Hotel: Map Location I See Rates & Book.
• Viceroy Chicago: Map Location I See Rates & Book.
• Gray Hotel Chicago: Map Location I See Rates & Book.
• Hotel Felix: Map Location I See Rates & Book.
• LondonHouse Chicago: Curio Collection By HIlton: Map Location I See Rates & Book.
• Staypineapple: An iconic Hotel: Map Location I  See Rates & Book.

Related Article: Cool & Unique Boutique Hotels in Chicago

#2 Choose A More Sustainable Transport Option 

Depending upon distances and weather, there are of course more sustainable ways to see Chicago and its neighbourhoods. Here area some of our recommendations.

Walking

The downtown and loop area of the city are very walkable. Infact, we found Chicago to be pretty walkable with regards to all the main points of interest. The advantages of walking are not just for the environment and for your personal exercise promoting health benefits but also that often, you discover little gems that you wouldn’t do so normally! You could get up close of the details of the city’s architecture, find street art murals, stumble upon a cute coffee shop or lunch destination. 

Maps are available at most hotels and accommodations plus you can always pin your personalised Google Map with your own places of interest and work out a little walking route.

Cycling

If you’re heading to places that may be a little further distances form each other, why not hire a bicycle. Some hotels do offer cycle hire in a bid to encourage their guests to be healthy. 

We had no idea that Chicago has around 303 miles of cycle lanes. Personally this wasn’t a choice for us on this trip but we’d try it if we visited again. It’s a great way to be more eco-friendly.  Divvy is one of the largest and well-known cycle hire companies in Chicago which involves downloading an App. It’s also quick and simple to use with reasonable day pass options. See below for more information.

If you do fancy a more leisurely cycle ride, then take advantage of the cycle path right around Lake Michigan which is approximately 19 miles in length.

• Find out more: Cycling information and Stats in Chicago.
• Where to hire bicycles : Head to Divvy, You will need to download the App that will make it possible to hire a bike fro $1 +0.18 per minute or a $18 day pass.

The L Public Transport System

As we were covering greater distances during our trip, this was our second most preferred way of transport whilst in Chicago. We stayed at The Hoxton in Fulton Market and Morgan Station was literally. a 2 minute walk away.

The ‘L’ system is the elevated or overground train system in Chicago and is pretty affordable.

A one day pass or day ticket for the L cost us $5 and can be bought at Ventra vending machines, at the stations or you can choose to just tap your credit card at the turnstiles. The credit card option can end up being a little more expensive for the whole day though!

• More information: Ventra tickets & fares.
• Time Schedules &  line maps: Chicago Transit Authority.

Be-lavie Tip: If you’re heading to O’Hare international airport, don’t bother with a taxi especially at peak times, you can be waiting for a very long time. The Blue “L” line is perfect and takes you straight into the airport from anywhere in the city for $5. If you’re arriving into Chicago from Midway airport, take the Orange line.

#3. Visit Outdoor Green Areas & Take Eco-Friendly Tours

So here’s the interesting part about Chicago. On first glance, it’s an urban Metropolis but as mentioned previously there are 29 beaches . According to Chicago Park Districts  there are more than 8.800 acres of green space. The district offers a whopping number of greater than 600 parks. 26 miles of lakefront as well as a combined green space of 8,800 acres. That is quite something for a city that dons some of the world’s highest skyscrapers!

• Find our More; Chicagos Park District.

The Chicago Riverwalk

Probably our most favourite place in Chicago to hangout for its beautiful skyscraper architecture on both sides, the Chicago River running through it as well as the small green spaces, cafes and al fresco style, especially in the warmer months. 

The Chicago Riverwalk is one mile and as well as the cool eateries, cafes and wine bars it’ is possible to take The Chicago River guided boat tours as well as hire Kayaks, which is a pretty sustainable activity to do in Chicago.

• Find it Here: Map Location.

The Millennium Park

A vast space built upon a former car park, Millennium Park is a wonderful green arae with a fountain, gardens, sculptures as well as the famous of all sculptures in the whole of Chicago, Anish Kapoor’s ‘Cloud Gate’ or ‘The Bean’. The park is a wonderful space to hang out in and there are even some great places to eat and drink. 

Weekends, especially in the summer, sees an influx of crowds due to the live events taking place here so visit during the week if possible.

Find it Here: Map Location.

Lincoln Park

A wonderful place to come and walk, ride a bike, see nature along the boardwalk, such as insects and a variety of birds, Lincoln Park is the perfect nature filled spot. It incorporates around seven miles of the lakeshore, and includes the Lincoln Park Cultural Center as well as he Lincoln Park Conservatory.

The park is also home to the sculpture named, ‘The Honeycomb’ due to its appearance which is close to the pond and boardwalk and has a great view of the Chicago skyscrapers in the background.

• Find it Here: Map Location

Grant Park

With the perfect location in The Loop, Grant Park covers around 313 acres of space which visitors and locals can enjoy. It’s perfec for walking and cycling and is well located to see the Museum Campus, Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain and the Chicago Art Institute, so you can check off a few sights too whilst enjoying this nature filed green space.

During the summer season, when we visited in June, The Grant Park Music Festival was on. It;s completely free and runs from June to August with a range of classical shows featuring classical musicians accompanies with vocalists on certain shows. This is a another great eco-friendly activity, supporting local artists in a lovely outdoor settings and another way Chicago is making use of it’s green spaces. 

• Find it Here: Map Location.
• For more information, head to Grant Park Music Festival.

Milton Lee Olive Park

If you are heading to Navy Pier, in the city then you have to pay Milton Lee Olive Park a visit. You’ll also see Ohio Street beach from this spot. During the summer, make use of the beach recliners and take in that stunning skyline view of the city whilst enjoying nature with the sound of the water lapping against the shoreline.

• Find it here: Map Location.

Garfield Park Conservatory

Often referred to as ‘Chicago’s landscape under glass’ the conservatory showcases thousands of species of plants from around the world. The conservatory makes up around two acres plus there’s a further ten acres in the surrounding area.

The conservatory has a number of events and activities which are eco-friendly, such as adult and child-friendly programs such as mindfulness, yoga, bee keeping, learning how to grow and look after plants and botanicals as well as useful demos on composting at home. 

•  Find it Here: Map Location.
• Reservations: Head to their website to make a reservation. Entry is free.

The Bloomingdale Trail

Part of ‘The 606’ park system, the Bloomingdale Trail is a three mile long elevated rail trail built on a former rail line. The trail sits around 17 feet above the neighbourhoods of Logan Square, Wicker Park, Bucktown and Humboldt Park. 

It’s a unique and quirky place to walk and take in the renovation work of this disused rail line into a fantastic green space.

• Find it Here: Map Location.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

A museum dedicated to eco-friendly and sustainability. That is pretty cool right?! They have a range of educational and informative exhibits and a full events calendar. They also do workshops and visitors can see butterfly gardens, critters, a hidden forest and a sustainability centre amongst a whole host of green things to do.

• Find it here: Map Location.
• For more information & events: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.

Lake Michigan Beaches

We were pretty surprised to learn that there are sound 29 beaches that can be found along Lake Michigan and they really do come into their own in the summer. Some even have little beach club style set ups! Unfortunately we didn’t have time to lay on the sand but did have a quick stroll along North Avenue Beach which was beautiful. 

During the summer months popular beaches include, North Avenue beach as well as Ohio Street Beach, Oaks Street Beach. They do also have bathrooms, bars and small food stalls with the possibility to hire kayaks. 

• For more information: Check-out all 29 of Chicago’s beaches. in this guide we came across when researching beaches in the city.

Eco-Friendly Tours

The most eco-friendly tours are walking tours and those that support local businesses. If you love being active, activities that involve hiring bicycles or even seeing the city from another perspective such as on Kayas is a great sustainable idea.

Here are some tours that we’d recommend that are pretty green.

Related Article: 5 of The Best Unique Tours in Chicago for First-Time Visitors

#4. Sip Coffee in Sustainable Focussed Cafes & Coffee Shops

The coffee culture in Chicago is fantastic and during our visit we managed to scope out a few great places.

Be-lavie Tip: The featured coffee shops all have a range of plant based milks, such as oat, coconut and almond as well as a range of vegan friendly light bites. We always ask if they can use our refillable cups, but you can always ask for a china cup or mug to stay in or if you have to take away then take your own coffee travel mug or opt for a paper alternative.

Sawada Coffee

One of Chicago’s coolest coffee shops located in the hip West Loop, was opened in collaboration between Hogsalt and Hiroshi Sawada. Hiroshi, a well known latte art expert. 

Hidden behind a cartoon portrait black door of Sawada to reveal a stairwell smothered in graffiti leading to the main Sawada Coffee Shop. The space used to be where Green Street Smoked Meats stored their barbecue joints once  upon a time. We love the open space which is a fun all day spot. Seating comes in the form of window counter style options or head down the stairs and sit on the communal tables adjacent to the bar.

Sawada has a fantastic range of non dairy milk options making it perfect for a plant based diet. 

Be-lavie Recommendations: If you like your coffee pretty strong tasting Sawada is for you! Great lattes and drip cafes served in paper cups to drink in. Their giant plain and chocolate croissants are a perfect quick breakfast treat.

Find it here: Map Location.

Good Ambler 

This cafe, bakery and chocolatier located in Fulton Market, just around the corner from The Hoxton is located in a beautiful high ceiling warehouse style building with a type of gorgeous decor that any loft apartment would be proud of. The lighting fixtures alone are a swoon worthy! 

At Good Ambler you’ll find a variety of sweet and savoury pastries, handcrafted chocolates, candy bars, cookies, cakes as well as some delicious hot and cold coffee, teas and juice options.

It’s best to ask about the pastries when you arrive to see which are suitable for vegans as they are made fresh daily but they have a good range of plant based milks 

Be-lavie Recommendations: The Bakewell cake slice and the banana bread are perfect for a breakfast or anytime treat. Their cappuccinos and filter coffees are great and served in large wide ceramic cups.

Find it Here: Map Location.

La Colombe Coffee Roasters

This cozy yet trendy cafe located in West Loop always seemed to have a line outside it in the early mornings. We had to try it to see what the lines were all about. They roast their own house brand coffee here and serve the most delicious pastries and snacks. It’s a laid back vibe and we loved how their house blend was serve on tap!

As well as a whole great host of plant based milks, we love the eco-friendly and community initiatives La Colombe takes. For example they have been involved in diverting 20 tons of waste from landfills in 2022 through their responsible sustainable packaging process. They’ve also donated $80K to the West Michigan Food Bank to buy refrigerated trucks to help their work. As well as sustainable coffee packaging using Neo technology, La Colombe work in partnership with communities to help educate children, raise women up and provide opportunities as well as lots more wonderful planet caring projects.

Be-lavie recommendations: Great cappuccinos and drip coffee on tap for breakfast as well as their almond croissants and breakfast pastries.

Find it Here: Map Location

Everybody’s Coffee

The primary intention of this coffee shop is to serve as a space to create and connect for everybody, hence the name. Founded by a racially diverse group of men and women, their goal was to help the community through resources, relationships and of course, coffee.

 Everybody’s coffee partners with their coffee growers amongst others they also work closely with Community Outreach, an organisation that helps to feed and house families and citizens who are homeless in Chicago.

The business model as a whole actively grows by fighting racism, inequity, educate with each cup of coffee, every conversation, one day at a time. 

Find it here: Map Location.

#5. Dine at Plant Based or Vegetarian Friendly Restaurants 

Bloom Plant Based Kitchen

Quite possibly, one of our favourite restaurants in Chicago, located in Wicker Park, Bloom specialises in offering a range of generously prepared, creative dishes that are 100% plant based minus the use of any animal products. 

Having a Bib Gourmand with a proud mention in the Michelin Guide, Bloom’s chef/owner, Rodlfo Cuadros (of Amaru) and his alert team,  transform the humble vegetable into something you would never think is possible. 

The restaurant is a beautiful space filled with greenery and foliage, cool light fixtures and a seat at the counter will ensure you have the best view in the house to watch the team work closely with some interesting ingredients.

Don’t miss their selection of micro greens at the counter which you’ll see making it into many of the dishes!

Be-lavie Recommendations: To drink try the hibiscus and ginger Kombucha or one of the vegan wines. Start the small plates sharing concept with a Cultured Cheeseboard containing whipped cashew request on with ancho chili agave, pimento goat cheese, ash truffle cheese, mustard seed spread, everything papadum crackers, house pickles. Accompany the cheese board with Rainbow carrot hummus which includes, Smoked paprika glaze, carrot hummus, fried kale. The half pizza with heirloom tomatoes, vinaigrette and rocket is a great side. For something more substantial share the Yuca Gnocchi with toasted Yuca, parsnip puree, mushroom sofrito and kale. Leave room to try the exceptional desserts. We opted for the Chocolate Mousse (lemon shortbread, parsnips, blackberry preserves, brownie crumbles) and the Camote Cheesecake (cashew sweet potato, coconut cream, almond tahini crust).

• Find it here: Map Location.

Daisies

This Michelin Green Star and Big Gourmand Restaurant is truly one of the most impressive yet non fussy places you’re sure to dine in Chicago. Away from the fancy tourist spots, it’s a real gem.

A big open airy space, with a long bar, a private dining room as well as a bakery in the back, this is somewhere that needs to be added your vegetarian friendly food list in Chicago. They have a huge plant based and veggie menu selection.

The Michelin Green Star means that Sustainability is at the core of Daisies. The owner and executive chef of Daisies,  Joe Frillman has a brother with a farm, whose 30 acre property is located 70 miles from Chicago. As many of the ingredients as possible come from this farm, with some fruits being source nearby. 

They have a dedicated fermentation program so they can utilise all this product in the winter months and limit waste. Their compost program returns discarded produce back to the farm for use as fertilizer and chicken feed.

Daisies is impressive, not just is the food absolutely delicious but their reduction on the carbon footprint is absolutely mind blowing!

Be-lavie Recommendations: Start with cocktails and the Sunroom Gimlet is a must. It contains Hendrick’s gin, carrots, poppy seeds, lime vinegar and prosecco. To start try the Frito Mitrso (cheese curds, tarragon aioli and season veg) and shaved brussel sprouts (with pear pistacchio and rosemary. For mains, the Pappardelle with a mushroom rago, house cheese and badil is divine. For dessert the Strawberry shortcake in the perfect summer sweet dish with chiffon cake, elderflower, and a salted ricotta ice-cream.

** Daisies include a 25% service charge on all dine in bills. This is then shared amongst all of their hourly employees. The service charge at Daisies includes all gratuity and fees. An additional tip is never expected but diners can tip if they deem the service to be exemplary. **

• Find it here: Map Location.

Chicago Raw

If you’re spending a day out and fancy more of an al fresco lunch by means of a picnic, Chicago Raw is a great option. As the name suggests there are plenty of vegan raw food options, think chia puddings, acai bowls, smoothies, lasagnes, mini pizzas, carrot cakes as well as sandwiches, hummus and vegetables. The raw foods are farm fresh and you can really taste the difference. 

Buying food from Chicago Raw is a great way to support local and purchase plant-based food but we did note the use of plastic containers (not sure of they are recycled plastics) on our visit so if you do travel with containers it would be good to take them along. Alternatively dine in to keep plastics to a minimum.

Be-lavie Recommendations: Matcha lattes here are delicious as are the carrot cakes.  

• Find it here: Map Location.

Whole Foods Market 

If your accommodation is self catering then heading to Whole Foods Market is a no brainer! They have a great range of plant based products which are prepared and ready to go as well as healthy items like salads. You can pick up single ingredients if you wish to cook from scratch. It’s pretty affordable too. We love this place for grabbing some picnic type items if you want to snack whilst exploring the city.

Whole foods has a number of locations in Chicago, so you’re sure to find one close enough to your base!

Find it Here : (Close to the Magnificent Mile) Map Location

The Kitchen American Bistro

A sophisticated restaurant located in River North, The Kitchen uses organic and sustainably sourced, locally grown ingredients in their cooked to order dishes. The cocktails on the summer menu had great names, like the ‘River Breeze’ or ‘Hot Summer Nights and the vegetarian options include dishes like a sweet corn and soy cabbage. We’d recommend a few small plates if you’re vegan or vegetarian. 

Find it Here: Map Location.

Related Article: Where To East The Best Vegetarian Friendly Food in Chicago

#6 Visit One of Chicago’s Farmer’s Markets

As with most major cities, if you are staying in Chicago for a little longer than a few days, you may want to explore some of the city’s markets to buy fresh produce. With such a wonderful global population living in Chicago there are lots of different kinds of ingredients and foods to sample at the markets.

Although there are many markets in Chicago, selling everything from antiques to clothing they are definitely worth a visit! We’ve included a few below that have more of a foodie focus suggested by our friends who live in the city.

Markets are also a great place to pick up picnic items to set you up for a day of exploring.

Logan Square Farmer’s Market

With stalls set up along a portion of Logan Square’s historic boulevard, vendors come here from far such as Wisconsin and Michigan.

As well as artisan made products, there is a big focus on fruit and vegetables as well as dishes being cooked to order at food stalls.  

• Find it Here: Map Location.
• When to visit: Every Sunday 07:00-13:00.

Green City Market 

This one’s been around for around 20 years and has grown to have at least 55 vendors. Draws to this market include the fresh fruit, vegetables and other produce but also the food stands and their fresh made to order cuisine. 

Popular vendors include Gayle V’s Best Ever Grilled Cheese and Cookies and Carnitas, serving their famous chilli, tacos, sandwiches, and cookies.

• Map Location Map Location
• When to visit: Saturdays 07:00-13:00 (June-November).

Chicago French Market 

This is probably Chicago’s only year round covered market and it very much has a European vibe to it. It can be found in th eMetra Market Mall in West Loop and is made up of around 30 vendors offering global specialities. 

Here you can buy fruit, vegetables, as well as meat and fish, freshly made dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They are fully stocked on bakery items, burritos and even gelato.  

Grab some food and take a seat in the Parisian street-inspired cafe seating area.

• Find it Here: Map Location.
• When to Visit: Monday-Friday 09:00-15:00 & Saturdays 10:00-15:00.

Division Street Farmer’s Market

Open seasonally, Division Street Market is perfect to pick up fresh fruit and vegetables as well as plants. They also do a range of spices! Head down if you’re curious to find out more!

• Find it Here: Map Location.
• When to Visit: May-October, Only on Saturday  07:00-12:00. 

#7 Head To Ethically-Focussed Shops & Boutiques

If you love a spot of mooching around the shops when you’re travelling, well you’re in luck as Chicago has a wonderful variety of stores that stock eco-friendly goods, including clothing, bath products, books, cosmetics and lots more. 

Neighborly

Here you’ll find a selection of kitchenware to general homeware as well as artworks. Everything is a beautiful curated collection of locally made, ethically sourced and eco-friendly items. There are some beautiful handmade heirloom items such as chopping boards, mugs, incense holders and porcelain planters.

Find it here: Map location.

Open Books

With a couple of Chicago-based locations, this bookshop accepts donated books, which are then sold in their Tardis- like stores to support their literacy focussed programs. It’s a wonderful sustainable cause to support and if you have brought a book along on your visit hat you don’t need, feel free to donate it here.

Find it here: Map Location

The Shudio

Jewellery lovers shouldn’t miss this boutique in Pilsen that concentrates on making eco-conscious hand made jewellery pieces in Chicago from old and vintage recycled materials. They also have a range of unique unisex fragrances made using a range of essential oils as well as handmade cards. We particularly like their bath and body range such as their Bourbon soap, sweet mint lip scrubs as well as their beautiful selection of plants. 

Find it Here: Map Location.

Knee Deep Vintage

Suggested by a friend. and located in Pilsen, Knee Deep Vintage has been hailed as being Chicago’s best vintage store. The store is packed full of unique yet quite fashionable pieces of vintage clothing from around the globe! The staff here are also very good at helping customers track down exactly what they are looking for by offering a personal styling and shopping service, Of course it’s not just a planet friendly choice and peices feel very on trend. Definitely, worth making the trip to Pilsen for alone!

Find it Here: Map Location.

Buffalo Exchange

Located in the hip Wicker Park area of Chicago, which is known for it’s eclectic shops and preloved stocking boutiques, Buffalo Exchange is no exception. It’s a Hip outfit  that buys, sells and trades in trendy vintage and  used clothing as well as  accessories.

Find it Here: Map Location.

Be-lavie Tip: If you are dining at Bloom in Wicker Park, Buffalo Exchange is only a 2-3 walk away so it woudl be rude not to pop in!

A Sustainable Guide to Chicago: FAQs

What are the best ways to travel sustainably in Chicago?

We would recommend walking where possible, otherwise using the ‘L’ trains as they are economical and the city’s iconic transit system. Bikes can also be hired if you prefer to keep fit and active.

Is Vegan or Vegetarian food more expensive in Chicago?

Food prices are pretty similar to any large city in the United States but heading to markets and places like Whole foods can help keep your budget down. 

What is Chicago doing to be more environmentally friendly?

The government have a whole host of policies to promote sustainability and a greener Chicago, read more about Chicago’s current and future initiatives.

What are the best Free Sustainable things to do in Chicago

Without a doubt this would be to visit the parks such as Millennium Park, Lincoln Park, Garfield Park as well as the beaches that surround Lake Michigan.

A Sustainable Guide To Chicago: Round-Up

Chicago most definitely has a lot of sustainable activities for visitors and yes it is possible to be more sustainable when visiting Chicago. Firstly, in terms of accommodation, there are hotels that are placing the environment first in their practices which adds the eco-tourism efforts of the the city. The 8,800 hectares of green outdoor space in the city makes it a delight to wander around and take in nature, culture and history. 

The foodie scene is perfect for a vegetarian or vegan diet with many restaurants focussing on locally sourced, fresh produce. Shoppers will also be in awe of the number of thrift stores, second hand clothing, bookstores and so much more to discover that’s local to the city. 

We hope this guide helps with the sustainable focus of your trip to the Windy City and aids in crafting a more tailored itinerary which can incorporate some of these planet friendly aspects to promote eco-tourism in Chicago. 

Related Articles

• The Best Photo Locations in Chicago: Ultimate City GUide with Map & Itineraries
• The Best Cool & Unique Boutique Hotels in Chicago
• Where to eat the best vegetarian friendly food in Chicago
• 5 of the most unique tours in Chicago for first-time visitors

Respurces To Help Plan Your Trip

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