DreamPictures/Getty Images
READ MORE ABOUT:
Mexico City is one of the world's largest metropolitan areas -- and unfortunately, one of the world's most polluted. Nearly all air pollutants here are at levels more than two or three times international standards. The good news is city officials are starting to take note. Most recently, the municipal transport and road ministry announced a phase-out of the iconic green and white Volkswagen Bug taxis, or Vochos, by 2012, ruling them less safe and responsible for more pollution than any modern vehicle. Also in 2012, in a concerted effort to lower the rising number of car commuters in the city, officials plan to unveil 186 miles of bike paths.
Despite the air, Mexico City's options for going green on the ground abound. From local food to transit options, a few tips can trim your travel footprint so you can soak up the rich cultural offerings with peace of mind. Learn more about Mexico's green policies, news, and activities in TreeHugger's Mexico archives.
- Take the Metro
With 175 stations, the inexpensive Metro is the fastest way to get around the city, but uncomfortably crowded during the morning and evening rush and a favorite hang-out for pickpockets. Keep your wits about you and avoid peak times for the best experience. - Take MetroBus, Mexico City's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
The MetroBus, Mexico City's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, runs on clean-burning, ultra-low sulfur diesel, and is the most convenient way to travel up and down Avenida Insurgentes, the city's main north-south thoroughfare. Buy a card at any station and then charge it up with pesos before swiping to enter. - Stay at Hotel Catedral, La Casona, or CondesaDF
The "green revolution" hasn't exactly caught on in the city's hotel scene yet. Still, here are a few notable lodging offerings close to main attractions, so you won't be traveling far. The Hotel Catedral offers good value and is located in the Historic Center. The moderately priced La Casona is a cozy, comfortable hotel in the lively Roma neighborhood. CondesaDF is a super-hip boutique design hotel with rooftop sushi bar and an ultra-modern aesthetic. - Rent a Bike
Despite the crowds and loco drivers, biking around Mexico City can be faster and less stressful than public transportation. Sign up for a free bike (with deposit) through the recently launched bike sharing program, Mejor En Bici and head for the ciclovía, the 56 mile bike trail that follows the old bed of the Cuernavaca railroad to the Morelos border. - Dine at a Green Restaurant
Cheap eats are easy to come by in Mexico City. In the Condesa neighborhood, the Green Corner is both an organic grocery with fresh local produce and a restaurant, Origenes Organicos is an intimate café with local, organic meals and outdoor seating on a picturesque plaza. The latter is also home to a small market, with shelves packed full of local and imported organic items. Tao is an excellent macrobiotic vegan restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff. Vege Taco, at Calle Carrillo Puerto 65, cross street Alberto Zamora, Col. Coyoacan, is where vegetarians can finally indulge in the grilled tacos that meat-eaters rave about. Try the Tacos al Pastor. A bit more expensive, Yug offers fresh, vegetarian à la carte dining and an all-you-can-eat buffet upstairs for slightly higher prices. The à la carte menu offers tasty set menus including fresh juices, salads, and veggie versions of Mexican classics. - Dine Upscale at El Bajío and Izote
Looking for elegance? Try El Bajío, which boasts deeply authentic and traditional Mexican fare in a bright, colorful fine dining slightly off the beaten path. Sample the unusual combination of local ingredients and you'll find it well worth the trip to Colonia Obrero. Izote in the posh Polanco neighborhood dishes up modern versions of indigenous dishes using local ingredients such as yucca flower, cactus, and zucchini flower. - Shop for Green Design Souvenirs
While the green consumer scene is still relatively young, PIN offers up an intriguing selection of furniture, bags and books from sustainability-minded designers in the hip Roma neighborhood. - Visit Sembradores Urbanos, an Urban Garden
To learn more about Mexico City's ecological heritage and future, head to the Sembradores Urbanos project in La Romita. The urban gardening and environmental education project offers educational opportunities on subjects such as edible flowers and medicinal herbs. - Rent a Segway
Get around quickly without contributing to the air quality problem by renting an electric-powered Segway. Even taking into account electricity tapped from the grid, this green vehicle has 14 times less greenhouse gas emissions than a car. - Stroll the Bosque de Chapultepec, the City's Largest Park
Looking for the perfect place for a jog, bike ride, or picnic? The city's largest park, the 1,600 acre Bosque de Chapultepec (The Hill of the Grasshoppers), is located in the west of the city, and easily accessible via public transportation. Side-by-side historic buildings, outdoor cafés, an amusement park, and a zoo, are lakes, springs, and woodland areas containing a few massive ancient trees.
Like this? Check out more of Planet Green's Green City Guides.
-
- {}
