Green City Guide: Dallas

From the boldface oil barons to renowned congestion, the Dallas metropolitan area doesn't exactly spring to mind as an environmentally progressive destination. But when you've got nowhere to go but up, even beginner strides can be big (especially in Texas). Just this year, for example, the Dallas city council passed a resolution mandating energy and water conservation measures for private developments. An existing mandate requires all new city-owned buildings to meet LEED-Silver certification. And, of course, local longtime oilman, T. Boone Pickens is promoting his cutting-edge energy plan to combat oil consumption by increasing wind, solar, and natural gas infrastructure throughout the U.S. So if you find yourself traveling to Dallas, and you're looking for a rootin'-tootin' green time, don't fret; you've got options. (And for more on green Dallas, you can also check out TreeHugger's Dallas archives.)

1. Take Public Transportation: DART Around Dallas
   Good public transit is often a green travelers' best friend, and Dallas's DART in is no exception. Light rail service can scoot you to and from downtown hotels, Dallas' Union Station, and the Arts District. Bus service and commuter rail serve the Dallas -- Fort Worth International Airport now, and construction of a new line is expected to create light rail access by 2013. (You can also find schedules and maps at Google Transit.) For even better, greener access throughout the city, consider bike rental. Bus and light rail services alike allow passengers to bring bikes aboard any time of day.
   
2. Book a Room at the Green Hotel Palomar Dallas
   
   As in many other cities, Kimpton Hotels is the torchbearer for eco-friendly travel in Dallas. The Hotel Palomar Dallas offers in-room recycling, organic food and drink options, and energy-efficient lighting, plus promotional materials are printed on recycled paper with soy ink. Located outside of downtown in the Park Cities neighborhood, the Palomar is located just a few miles from the Dallas Convention Center.
   
   
3. Indulge in the Green Spa Package at spa*habitat
   
   We're enamored with the Treehugger Package (no relation to our sister site) at spa*habitat. The 2.5-hour treatment includes a full body massage, organic foot ritual, and raw earth facial. If you feel like making it a day, go for the 4.5-hour Green Freak Package. With products that are entirely organic, natural, or wild-harvested – right down to the organic cotton robes – you really can't go wrong here.
   
   
4. Check Out Dallas Zoo's Poo Power
   
   Elephant poop, cardboard, and tree limbs will soon be powering part of the Dallas Zoo, a.k.a. "the largest zoological experience in Texas." Elephant Jenny is behind (pun intended!) the zoo's alternative energy mission. When the search for her new pal concludes, the zoo will have two African elephants -- generating a total of 300 pounds of waste.
   
   
5. Enjoy Vegan Treats at Spiral Diner & Bakery
   
   Mostly organic and 100 percent vegan, Spiral Diner & Bakery is sure to please even the most strident carnivores. With locations in both Fort Worth and Dallas, the diner's "low on the food chain" mantra is matched by their eco-friendly business practices, which includes using biodegradable cleaning products and take-away containers and recycling kitchen materials.
   
   
6. Explore the Dallas Farmers' Market
   
   Located a mere a 15-minute walk from many downtown hotels, the bustling Dallas Farmers' Market is a draw for residents and tourists alike. One of the largest open-air markets in the U.S., the market features locally raised meat and produce, along with handcrafts and arts sold by the farmer-artists themselves.
   
   
7. Chow Down at Nikolini Cafe
   
   Organic eateries often subscribe to the same salad-sandwich-soup trope. Not Nikolini Café, one of TreeHugger's Restaurants of the Week. Here, you can sit outside and enjoy Northern Greek dishes made from organically grown vegetables and meats. Sure, it's healthy, but they don't sacrifice taste either. Bonus tip: Be sure to save room for dessert!
   
   
8. Catch Lunch at Snappy Salads
   
   From biodegradable cups, plates, and utensils to reclaimed wood tables, Snappy Salads has green cred to spare. Touting walls decorated with milk paint, servers outfitted in organic cotton and hemp uniforms, and enviable energy-savings, this eatery is as green as it gets. One caveat: Sandwich-lovers will be disappointed. True to their name, Snappy Salads serves only -- you guessed it -- salads.
   
   
9. Get Some Green Living Goods
   
   Green Living in the Lakewood neighborhood is green HQ when it comes to finding the basics. The one-stop shop for everything from reusable bags and organic cotton t-shirts to fair trade toys, this is the place to stock up on supplies, get local eco-info, and learn more about living low-impact.
   
   
10. Find a Green Gift From Tango Zango
    
    Looking for a little something to bring home as a green souvenir? Tango Zango in North Dallas specializes in green goods for the home. Organic cotton bedding and baby clothes and sustainable wood furniture is the name of the game here, as are great green gifts.
    
    

More About Dallas From TreeHugger
TreeHugger Dallas Archives
TreeHugger Texas Archives
T. Boone Pickens Rides the Wind

Travel much? Check out more Green City Guides.