
SUSTAINABLE HOUSTON GUIDE: 7 WAYS TO BE MORE GREEN
Last Updated on 11th January 2025 by Bejal
You’re headed to Houston, the city of space education, and being a mindful traveller, one of your priorities is to ensure that the things you do in the city ensure your carbon footprint is as low as possible. That could be anything from opting for the most sensible form of transport option, selecting a hotel that places sustainability programs at the centre of its ethos and finally shopping as well as dining spots for your itinerary. Read on to to discover our sustainable Houston guide with seven easy ways to be more green, complete with recommendations on all the best things to do and see, where to eat, where to stay and all being a little more mindful of the environment.
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Related Article: How To Spend 3 Days In Houston: A complete Guide
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When is The best Time to Visit Houston More Sustainably?
To be quite honest, to help the local economy and infrastructure and avoid the holiday crowds we’d stay during the shoulder season, so May-June or October-November. The temperatures are also pretty bearable at this time of year so walking is a lot comfortable in parts like Downtown. There is always the option of public transport such as the METRORail and Bus but they can be rather limited to some destinations.
#1. Getting Around Houston – Greener Transport Options
Walking
The greenest way of getting around Houston’s neighbourhoods. Walking also has other advantages like getting your daily steps in and adding a helping hand to your health but also wandering around can lead you to all sorts of hidden gems and interesting things you may not notice if you are driving for example.
The main tourist friendly neighbourhoods such as Downtown, Museum District, Uptown/galleria and Montrose has attractions, shops, restaurants and bars all located pretty close to each other and most definitely walkable.
Be-lavie Tip: We’d always recommend staying in a Downtown Houston hotel as there are some great restaurants here, with the majority of walkable points of interest. All transport links are also easily accessible from here.


METRORail
We would recommend this way of travel especially if like us you don’t really need to hire a car for your trip. You can get between the neighbourhoods of Downtown, EADO, the Museum District and the Texas Medical Centre. the latter two are on the red line which is pretty easy to manoeuvre.
Many of the stations, especially on the Red Line are very conveniently situated along where attractions are like the Museum District and Hermann Park.
Fares are around $1.50 for a three hour ticket or $3 for a day pass. We found this to be a pretty convenient way to travel. Head to the METRORail website for more information.
This is a really affordable transport option with METRO buses using clean burning compressed fuel leading to less emissions. The 7.5 mile METRORail is an electrically powered light rail which allows visitors and passengers to get off at the popular Main Street corridor with many points of interest. It also decreases noise and air pollution with each rail car able to seat 200 people.


Be-lavie Tip: We’d recommend buying a $3 Metro pass if you plan to travel around all day. They can be used on all lines as well as buses. Each Metro stop has a ‘Fare Monitor’ who wearing high visibility vests and a uniform and are there to help. The fare ticket machine was broken on one day and the fare monitor kindly took us to the main station on the metro to get a pass. They are really helpful and knowledgeable and there to help you use the system safely and correctly.
Bicycles
Houston has a lot of flat terrain, especially in Downtown and its connecting neighbourhoods but unfortunately, the Houston BCycle, bicycle sharing initiative closed in May 2024 because the nonprofit operator, was unable to secure the necessary funding and leadership to sustain operations. There are plenty of lovely bike trails around the city.
Electric Scooters
Visitors to the city will notice that there are many places to hire scooters for a reasonable amount and are an emission free way to manoeuvre the area during the day as well as evening. Scooters are great as they don’t involve adding to traffic queues and can actually be picked up via smartphone apps too. Here are two that we were recommended for Houston, Lime and Bird.
Cars
If visitors feel they need to use a car during their visit due to covering varying and large distances, or just prefer to drive can hire electric vehicles (EVs). These hugely reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to fuel powered vehicles. Rental Cars.com have a great range of electric cars to rent with Houston having quite a good allocation of charging points. Many hotels have electric vehicle charging points as do attractions, car parks, malls and more. You can also opt to choose the smallest vehicle and waver free upgrades to be more eco-conscious.
Car Share
Sharing a ride saves massively on the carbon footprint, rather than a number of solo drivers. If you’re going to the same area or direction, opt to down load the UberPool and Lyft app, helping to lower the amount of cars on the road thus reducing fuel emission significantly. Bonus is you may not have to drive every trip, you’ll be dropped off where you need to be and you’re helping to save the environment.
#2. Stay in Sustainable Focussed Hotels
We found many hotels in Houston, especially the varying Marriott brand and lots of smaller boutique options have made a stance when it comes to reducing their impact on the environment. Many now don’t offer mini toiletries, full size instead in rooms, daily linen change plus have a strict no plastic policy as well as energy saving lights. Many also opt for a made to order breakfast to avoid the wastage that buffets can cause. It’s quite common for hotels to list their energy efficient and water usage on their FAQ page along with recycling and other eco-conservation activities.
Here are a couple of hotels that are hot on sustainability which we researched for our trip. Please note we didn’t stay at these ourselves.
The Lancaster Hotel
Located in the heart of Houston’s Theatre District, The Lancaster Hotel is a luxury boutique establishment named the number on hotel in Houston by Conde Nast Readers. It dates back to the 1920s and over it’s one hundred years of business has hosted many famed poets as well as travellers, honeymooners, families and solo explorers. Boasting over 200 hundred works of contemporary arts by local Texan artists, The Lancaster brings local talent to the forefront, may that be through the arts, ingredients in the restaurants as well as staff.
The hotels Cultivated F+B restaurant specialises in American fine dining and sources seasonal ingredients from the local vicinity ensuring they are purchased from small businesses and are organic and fresh.
Location: 701 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002 I Tel. +1 7132 289 500 I Website I Map Location.
Related Article: Places To Stay In Houston By Neighbourhood
Hotel Icon
Another luxury historic Hotel in Houston located in the original part of Downtown is Hotel Icon, part of the Autograph Collection by Marriott International. Once the former Union National Bank, the hotel retains many of its original features, with the original vault in the lobby, a beautiful staircase, chandeliers and old world lift lobby.
Rooms contain original artworks and the hotel doesn’t promote the use of single use plastic. Rooms are like mini suites and have full size toiletries, so there’s no mini plastic containers, combs, toothbrushes and shower caps are not provided to prevent waste. Guests can request room linens and cottons changed to prevent unnecessary water usage.
The restaurant, Line & Lariat serves local cuisines sourced in the form of seafood from around the Gulf of Mexico amd meat from surrounding ranches.

Location: 220 Main St, Houston, TX 77002 I Tel. +1 7132 244 266 I Website I Map Location.
#3. Visiting Parks, Green Spaces & Attractions
One of the most striking things about Houstin is that despite being a city dominated by award winning skyscrapers and matched with historical architecture, there is an abundance of green spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Discovery Green
Right in the heart of Downtown Houston, opposite the George R Brown Convention Centre. This urban landscape is perfect for the whole family. The 12 acre park encompasses art installations, fountains, Kinder lake, jogging trails, cafes such as Lake House, dining spaces, interactive water features, dog runs, a tree lined walkway named the Brown Fountain Promenade plus lots more including the Jones Lawn which is a green space that is perfect for events that are run here on a regular basis. There are lots of programming events such as music, dance, film and theatre, concerts, as well as exercise classes, children’s events and an urban market.
There are some cool pieces of street art located here. Around mid November Houston’s only outdoor skating rink is assembled here too.



Location: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010 I Tel. +1 7134 007 336 I Website I Map Location.
Buffalo Bayou Park
This park is the perfect place to spend an afternoon strolling amongst the foliage and taking in the city views. The park is 160 acres and stretches for 2.3 miles, located to the west of Downtown. The park was transformed from a neglected drainage ditch into the beautiful green space it is today that attracts wildlife as well as families to spend time in the outdoors.
The park hosts public and private events and also has a cafe and many different landscaped areas as well as jogging and walking paths. Kayaks can also be hired for the river and we love the view.


The Buffalo Bayou Park has some great views of the Downtown city scape and be sure to visit the Cistern, only guided tours are available for this from the parks office – head to their website below. It’s a square foot reservoir that has been renovated and no ghosts art installations as well as viewings for the public from Wednesday through to Sundays. Tickets are $5. Children under nine are not permitted.
In addition to general viewings of the space every 30 minutes Wednesday to Sunday, special Cistern history tours and meditation sessions are also available.
Location: Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street between Allen Parkway and, Memorial Dr, Houston, TX I Tel. +1 7137 520 314 I Website I Map Location.
Related Article: Beautiful Photo Locations In Houston, Texas
Hermann Park
Get back onto the main road where you alighted the METRORail but in the opposite direction and take the next stop to Hermann Park.
This 445 acre green space is one of Houston’s most important parks and has so many things to see, do and discover. It’s possible to easily spend a day here or even half a day but you can do as much as you want.


Highlights at Hermann Park include:
- Mary Gibbs & Jesse H Jones Reflection Pool – measuring 740 feet long and 80 feet wide, the reflections of the mature oak tree lines can be seen beautifully in the dark bottomed pool.
- McGovern Centennial Gardens – Spanning 15 acres, these gardens are made up of a rose garden, interactive family garden, an arid garden, a 30 food garden mount as well as a sculptor promenade with public art that has been donated by other countries.
- McGovern Lake – this eight acre lake is perfect for a boat ride and to enjoy a picnic around the shores and has three islands spread across it.
- Hermann Park Railroad – This scenic train ride winds it way around the park and seems to be very popular with children.
- Friendship Pavillion – Gifted to Houston by its sister city of Taipei and was made in 1976.
- Hermann Park Golf Course – One of Houston’s oldest and most visited golf courses.
- There are so many other points of interest but for some great architecture, the Mecom Fountains and the Mecom Rockwell Colonnade fountain are beautiful photo spots.
- Miller Outdoor Theatre has some great performances for all the family.
Location: 6001 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030 Tel. +1 7135 262 183 I Website I Map Location.
Memorial Park
Unfortunately, we didn’t have a lot of time to explore Memorial Park, however it’s the city’s largest green space area, measuring around 1,400 acres. It’s know for its National Memorial Arboretum and is popular spot for families too with picnic spaces, fields for sporty types and bike and jogging trails. Keen bird spotters will get their fix of native species here too.
Location: 6501 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007 I Tel. +1 7138 638 403 I Website I Map Location.
Other Attractions
Quite a few of the city’s other attractions for visitors such as the Menil Collection, Houston Astros stadium, Bayou Bend Gardens, and the Children’s Museum have adopted policies such as only using “green” fluorescent light bulbs with bulbs being recycled, recycled paper for brochures using soy dyes and composting of garden waste to mention a few.
Related Article: How To Spend 3 Days In Houston: A complete Guide
#4. Farmers Markets
Houston may seem very ‘city life’ orientated but trust us, it is not short of its regular and seasonal farmer’s markets that pop up all over the districts in the city.
They are largely made up of producers from the region offering their artisanal fresh food and drink to gift items and are a lovely atmosphere of native locals, city folk and visitors. The small businesses present really do bring a sense of togetherness and sometimes there’s even live music. Here are a couple we got to visit during our stay.
Market Square Park Farmer’s Market
If, like us, you’re staying in Downtown, then this will be the most accessible. It was only a two minute walk from the Hotel Icon for us. There are a great mix of vendors here including fresh produce such as cheese, ice creams, juices, coffee spots as well as a couple of food trucks. There were a few locally made conserves and pickles stalls and also health and wellbeing, exercise specialist. For the children, there were activities set upon the green lawned spaces and there was really great live country music by a band. Bistro tables and chairs were set so people could grab a seat with their food and drinks purchases and listen to the music.

Market Square Park Farmer’s Market: Every Saturday 10:00-14:00
Location: 301 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002 I Tel. +1 7136 503 022 I Website I Map Location.
The Montrose Market
This is a weekly vintage pop up in the super eclectic district of Montrose where every third Sunday between 12:00-18:00 they have a market with fresh produce, locally hand made leather and crafting goods such as handbags, jewellery, hair accessories, belts and so much more. We loved the artisan farmers producers selling pastries and cakes, fresh fruit and vegetables plus cheeses, dairy products and juices. There are also vintage and preloved clothing stalls.
The Montrose Market: Sunday 12:00-18:00.
Location: 1657 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77006. I Tel. +1 8325 378 111 I Website I Map Location.
#5. Greener Shopping in Houston
As well as markets that support local businesses selling an array of things, there are many stores that focus on locally made or preloved things like clothing in particular.
Leopard Lounge
Situated in the heart of Montrose, Leopard Lounge is a store that you won’t miss, for it’s facade is painted in leopard print! The store is a Houston favourite, they also have one in Austin, and is well known in the city to have an incredibly curated range of Vintage clothing and accessories in Texas for well over 20 years.
Clothing ranges include right from the 1920’s through to the 2000s and visitors can even get a personal stylist experience, who helps with selecting the perfect outfit for a party or wardrobe with character. The staff are supe friendly and know their stuff about the eras!

Location: 1639 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006 I Tel. +17135 265 100 I Website I Map Location.
Blue Willow Bookshop
This independent book store places a great emphasis on community reading and the importance of literature. Shoppers will find a range of books for all ages and interests as well as regular events instore for the community that promotes better literacy skills and book culture as a way of learning.
Blue Willow Bookshop promotes reusing and recycling books and also sell hessian tote bags that are great to carry your books back in.
Location: 14532 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079 I Tel. +1 2814 978 675 I Website I Map Location.
#6. Eco Conscious Dining in Houston
Right up until visiting, we had no idea just what a foodie spot Houston is with its blend of different cuisines reflected in its varying populations of cultures and the abundance of great local ingredients grown and reared in the vicinity.
There are plenty of options that also include plant based spots which are of course very popular with many people including those that don’t follow a vegan and vegetarian diet. Many restaurants are fantastic at accommodating vegan and vegetarian options into their menu but it’s always best to call ahead if you have any doubts.
Houstonians are hot on farm-to-table restaurants, locally sourced ingredients and there is definitely a big drive for eco-conscious practice by reducing waste but still providing high quality delicious food. We generally select restaurants based on their variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes as well as sourcing style.
Xochi
This Mexcian eatery that celebrates the flavours of Oaxaca is located in the Marriott Marquis in Downtown Houston and is the baby of Chef, Hugo Ortega.
Traditional food, rich in flavour and colour has a dedicated vegetarian menu which is bursting with delicious dishes from traditional tacos to moles, enchiladas and the most hair raising Mezcal cocktails. We were told that the restaurant sourced only the finest local ingredients direct from farmers as well as keeping the traditions of Oaxacan cusine alive with its traditional cooking methods. Tacos are made fresh and you can tell in the taste. It’s very authentic and this shows in the queues so make reservations.


Be-lavie Recommendations: The spicy pear Mezcal is excellent and mixed at the table. Xochi has dedicated vegetarian menu, we chose the following from this. To start the quesadillas de hongos are light, followed by the enchiladas de la milpa. For desert, dive into the Pastel de Chocolate, a special vegan cake.
Location: 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010 I Tel. +1 7134 003 330 I Website: Menu & Particulars I Map Location I Reservations: Essential, especially on Friday-Sunday. I Price range: $$/$$$.
Le Jardinier
A dining concept created by Chef Akain Verzoreli and the Bastion Collection, hospitality group, Le Jardinier is a beautiful restaurant located in a section of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Chic and contemporary French style cuisine in stunning surroundings and with excellent service. They were awarded their first Michelin star when the Michelin guide arrived in Texas in November 2024, the night we dined.
We loved the clean and seasonal Autumn menu, which of course changes with different seasons to reflect the availability of produce. Chef Alain produced menus based on his training of Japanese cuisine where he mirrors the offerings to suit the rhythm of the seasons based on locally produced and available ingredients. They ensure wild and sustainable fish is sourced as well as meat and poultry from surrounding small businesses to ensure the simplicity of fresh and natural ingredients.
Apart from the a la carte, the restaurant also has a Seasonal Tasting Menu of five courses which can be accompanied with wine pairing to complement each course.


Be-lavie Recommendation: There are a number of vegetarian options for each course but Le Jardinier is happy to adjust dishes to suit a vegetarian or vegan diet. Just let your server know that you are vegetarian when being seated. We’d recommend the Burrarat with figs, pomegranate kabocha squash, spiced poached apples, pumpkin seeds to start, followed by the Parisian Gnocchi with squash veloute, black pepper minus the lardons. For dessert the Valrhona dark chocolate with chocolate cremeux, white chocolate ice cream and caramel sabayon. Another great dessert option is the butterfly, which has a yuzu delicate mousse, raspberry compote, pistachio sablé. La Jardinier also does a wonderful range of cocktails.
Location: 5500 Main St Suite 122, Houston, TX I Tel. +1 7137 143 015 I Website: Menu & Particulars I Map Location I Reservations: Essential. Advise of vegetarian requirement at the time of booking I Price Range: $$$.
Related Article: 15+ Places To Eat The Best Vegetarian Food In Houston
Bellagreen
This is Houston’s only eatery currently holding four star Certification from the Green Restaurant Association. They place eco conscious activities such as water saving devices, alternate power sources, responsibly sourced organic ingredients and healthy dietary options at the forefront of their ethos. All glass, cardboard, paper, plastic and metal is recycled including the frying oil which is turned into biofuel. Bella green is a fast and casual restaurant that serves up delicious pizzas, burgers, pastas, desserts, bundles and much more without compromising on taste.
Be-lavie Recommendations: The high protein Hempanadas are delicious as is the quinoa mac and cheese and natures harvest salad, both of these are vegetarian. The caramel pecan cheesecake is drool worthy. All washed down with one of the fine selection of wines, beers or soft drinks. The avocado, toast, breakfast sandwich and yoghurt and granola parfait are fantastic breakfast options.
Location: 748 E 11th St, Houston, TX 77008 I Tel. +1 7137 148 460 I Website: Menu & Particulars I Map Location I Reservations: Not required I Price: $/$$.
#7. Green Coffee Culture in Houston
Houston, like many cities, has a thriving coffee culture, where responsible sourced single origin coffee is sourced from local roasteries to minimize miles as well as a great local hub for local creatives to get together and share ideas. Many coffee shops are taking a stance to buy Fair Trade coffee from responsible alliances in South and Central America. Here are just a couple of recommendations.
Eden Plant Co. (Houston’s Plants + Coffee Shop)
Located in Houston’s former post office in Downtown Houston, aptly named POST. As well as having lovely range of plants at their open unit at Post Houston, they also have a coffee bar, with seating amongst the plants and foliage. So if you love coffee and plants, this is most definitely your spot! It’s a great concept and encourages the power of plants as well as responsibly sourced coffee options at the counter. The branch in POST Houston.

Be-lavie Recommendations: Iced lattes are particularly lovely here.
Location: 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77201 I Website: Menu & Hours I Map Location I Reservations: Not Applicable I Price Range: $.
Day 6 Coffee Co.
Located in Downtown Houston, with another outlet in Sugarland TX, Day 6 Coffee Co. is a haven for creatives and intellectuals where the coffee and food offerings fuels curiosity and inspiration.
Step inside and see the art for sale hanging on the walls, the comfy seats and wonderful range of food and coffees available. A place to take your laptop and work surrounded by other creative minds.
We love how this is Houston’s first Black person owned coffee shop, started by two brothers with their Christian background. The cafe supports the local art scene and gives them a cool space to showcase their art with a great community feel.


Be-lavie Recommendations: We had a quick working breakfast here, which included a lavender latte and banana nut muffins.
Location: 910 Prairie St Suite 100, Houston, TX 77002I Tel. +18326967822 I Website: Menu & Hours I Map Location I Reservations: Not Applicable I Price Range: $$.
Green Tours to Explore Houston
Here are a few of our top picks for sustainable tours in Houston including walking tours, open as well as the use of eco-friendly transport options.
Sustainable Houston FAQs
Are there any Free Sustainable Things to do in Houston?
Visiting all the green spaces, we’ve featured in this guide, are completely free of charge.
What are the best ways to travel sustainably in Houston?
The most sustainable way is by walking. Most neighbourhoods are easily walkable and Downtown can certainly be discovered on foot. Alternatively take the METRORail system which has a line along all the main attractions like Museum District, Montrose, Hermann Park. Buses can also be used with METROrail tickets and pass cards.
Does Houston have many Vegan and Vegetarian Dedicated restaurants?
Yes this is most definitely the case, although most restaurants we found have a dedicated vegetarian menu or section on the main menu. We recommend Green Seed Vegan (vegan burgers, paninis and pressed juices in the Museum District), Pondicheri (casual Indian eatery), Verdine (vegan food truct serving small plates, soups and salads, entrées, sides, sweets and a kids’ menu) to mention a few.
Sustainable Houston Round Up
This guide aims to aid visitors to craft their own itinerary making selections on what suits their trip with regards to accommodation, transport, places to eat and things to do and see in the city. Our advice is to support small independent businesses as much as possible and this will also provide an authentic and personal experience. This in turn allows Houston to set a more greener future with its already existing infrastructure to working towards being a much greener city for locals and visitors alike.
Related Articles
- The best places To Stay In Houston By Neighbourhood
- 15+ Places To Eat The Best Vegetarian Food In Houston
- How To Best Spend 3 Days In Houston: A complete Guide
- The Best Photo Locations In Houston, Texas
Resources To Help Plan Your Visit

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