Green City Guide: Detroit

Green is not a word usually associated with Detroit, the (former?) car capital of the world, and destination of billions of U.S. tax dollars, thanks to the infamous bailout of the Big Three. Nevertheless, Motor City boasts an array of environmentally friendly offerings for visitors. One of the first things you'll notice is the lack of chain stores. Small businesses rule here, and the majority of shops and restaurants are individually owned, helping to build a strong sense of community in the downtown area.

An abundance of news coverage has also been given to the city's fantastic urban garden programs: Many of these supply food directly to area restaurants.

To plan your trip, take advantage of a few savvy green resources. The Detroit Green Map provides tips for public transportation, community gardens, and eco-friendly shops and restaurants in an easy to use format. Sustainable Detroit has a wealth of information for residents and visitors on green businesses, programs, events, and updates on green renewal initiatives. For the most recent green news, check out TreeHugger's Detroit archives.

1. Take Public Transportation: Busses and the People Mover Light Rail System
   The Detroit Department of Transportation is making a concerted effort to improve public transport, which includes SMART busses and the People Mover. In September 2008, the city began allowing bikes on select buses fitted out with bike racks, as part of its Bikes on Busses program. The racks will eventually be installed on all busses. Visitors may want to purchase the five-day bus fare pass ($14), which allows unlimited rides for five days straight.
   
   A 2.9 mile light rail system in Detroit's downtown business district, the People Mover serves popular destinations including government offices, sports arenas, exhibition centers, major hotels, and commercial, banking and retail districts for a mere $0.50.


2. Stay at a Green Hotel: The Inn on Ferry Street or the Townsend Hotel
   Pickings are slim for green hotels in downtown Detroit: The best bet is to go central, with easy access to public transportation and the sites. Try the Inn on Ferry Street, a redeveloped, historic bed and breakfast conveniently located on the doorstep of many of the best attractions.
   
   For a true green place to stay (minus the transportation), you need to head about 30 minutes from downtown Detroit to the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham, Michigan. The Townsend is dedicated to water, energy, and linen conservation and employs non-toxic cleaning products throughout the facility. Need to weed out your bag? Lightly used items left in rooms are donated to organizations in need.


3. Dine at an Organic, Vegetarian, or Vegan Restaurant
   Originally a restaurant supplier, Avalon Bakery opened its doors to the public after word spread that it had the best breads and pastries in the area. According to its mission statement, Avalon is dedicated to supplying wholesome food to the community and rebuilding the area. Reclaimed materials—such as a countertop made from 80 year old rock maple and office doors from the former downtown YMCA—are incorporated in the building's design.
   
   For inexpensive contemporary American food made with seasonal, organic, and sustainable produce, head to the romantic riverfront Rattlesnake Club, head up by award-winning chef Jimmy Schmidt.
   
   For the meat-free folks, the cozy Golden Gate Café serves vegan fare from tables overlooking Palmer Park. Or, try vegan and organic destination the Karmic Café, which makes up for its lack of seating with plenty of soul and biodegradable and compostable take-out containers. The menu changes weekly and includes adventurous and creative food combinations.


4. Take a Trip to Belle Island Park
   Just shy of 1,000 acres, Belle Island Park is the largest island park in the U.S.—larger even than New York's Central Park. The park includes a nature preserve, swimming beach, golf course, several boating and yachting clubs, and a museum. Thirteen acres are devoted to the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, which includes five greenhouses showcasing plants from around the globe. The island is an easy bike ride from Detroit and the serene getaway will make you quickly forget you are in a city.


5. Take a Bike Tour Through Wheel House Detroit
   For guided and non-guided bike tours and rentals, try Wheel House Detroit, which also offers and encourages weekly biking meet-up groups. The company has implemented some savvy sustainable business initiatives, including recycling bike tires, chains, and other parts into products including purses. They use non-toxic cleaning products around the store, purchase eco-friendly office supplies, and sell organic tees. Wheel House is only the second bike shop in the country to be approved by national nonprofit consumer organization Green America.


6. Take a Walking Tour of Downtown Detroit
   Did you know Detroit has the second largest theater district in the U.S. and over 125 bars and restaurants within one square mile downtown? This extremely walkable city has several organizations offering walking tours. Although it is always best to take precautions, Detroit actually has 37 percent less crime (PDF) than the national average—despite a shady reputation.


7. Shop at the Detroit Urban Craft Fair
   To scoop up items such as recycled t-shirt tote bags and vegan lip-gloss, time your visit with the Detroit Urban Craft Fair, annually presented by Handmade Detroit in November. Not your typical jam and potholder extravaganza, this indie event features more than 50 independent DIY artists and crafters.


8. Volunteer at an Urban Garden
   After a massive effort to turn unused properties into urban gardens, Detroit now has a thriving urban agriculture program. To get your hands dirty, check out the Detroit Urban Garden Resource Program and the Earthworks Urban Farm, two groups working and educating residents to make Detroit self-sustainable. Gardens are grown within the city of Detroit and both groups offer classes on cooking, farming, seeding, and composting for just a few bucks.


9. Visit the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
   The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge (DRIWR) is the only international wildlife refuge in the U.S., covering 48 miles along the lower Detroit River and western Lake Erie, between the U.S. and Canada. The refuge includes marshes, islands, wetlands, and wildlife and birding viewpoints. Both kids and adults can join the year-around events presented by the Fish and Wildlife Service. DRIWR is also applying for LEED certification for its facility on the site.


10. Graze Your Way Through Detroit's Eastern Market
    A hotbed for local cuisine, Detroit's Eastern Market is one of the largest farmers markets in the area—spread out over 43 acres—and a source of food for many local restaurants. Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m to 5 p.m., you'll find farm fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as meat products, herbs and spices, nuts, candies, and a variety of condiments from Michigan farms and way beyond. For the greenest experience, stay local.

Travel much? Check out more Green City Guides.

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