Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Tips for Visiting Atlanta

By Lily Leiva

Published November 5, 2024

Kermit the Frog once said, “It’s not easy being green.” But With a bit of planning, your visit to Atlanta can contribute even further to the city’s sustainability.

Ranked one of the greenest cities in America by WalletHub it’s no wonder our beloved City in the Forest draws visitors from near and far, eager to experience the food, Southern hospitality, team spirit, and rich culture. As of 2022, the state of Georgia had over 24 million square feet of building space certified under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, ranking us sixth in the nation for LEED buildings per capita, which is pretty darn cool if we do say so ourselves. 

Check out these tips to reduce your carbon footprint, give back to local communities, and leave both Atlanta and our planet a little greener.

Opt for Public Transportation 

Atlanta’s MARTA transit system provides an easy, eco-friendly way to get around the city. From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you can hop on MARTA at Airport Station—just steps from baggage claim—and reach Downtown in about 20 minutes. MARTA also connects directly to major event venues like Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena and Georgia World Congress Center, while the Atlanta Streetcar offers a scenic loop through Downtown to Edgewood Avenue, including stops at sites like the historic Sweet Auburn Curb Market and Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park.

You can plan your entire trip around attractions and things to do near MARTA stations.

Walking, Biking, and the Beltline 

The Atlanta Beltline is at the heart of the city’s sustainable development, connecting over 22 miles of trails, parks, and public art installations and providing an eco-friendly way to explore the city’s art-filled neighborhoods. Along the Beltline’s Eastside and Westside trails, you’ll find stops like Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market, known for sustainable shopping and dining options. Plus, several local tour companies (such as ATL-Cruzers and Unexpected Atlanta) offer eco-friendly tours by bike, electric car, Segway, or on foot, allowing you to take in Atlanta’s sights and reduce your carbon footprint.

Spend Time in Atlanta’s Parks and Green Spaces

Known as the “City in a Forest”, Atlanta is rich in green spaces that support local biodiversity and provide eco-conscious features worth exploring. Westside Park, the city’s newest addition, features a scenic reservoir designed to store 2.4 billion gallons of emergency drinking water, showcasing Atlanta’s commitment to sustainable water management. Alongside this state-of-the-art park, the city boasts other lush greenspaces like Piedmont Park, Grant Park, and Cascade Springs Nature Preserve, offering a respite from urban life. Whether you pack a picnic, go for a hike, or simply relax with a book, spending time in these parks allows you to connect with nature while enjoying Atlanta’s dedication to conservation and smart urban growth.

Eat at Restaurants that Focus on Sustainability 

Atlanta’s dining scene shines with innovative, eco-conscious restaurants committed to sustainable practices and locally sourced ingredients. For a special, eco-friendly dining experience, visit Bacchanalia or THE CHASTAIN, both MICHELIN Green Star recipients recognized for their commitment to sustainability. Bacchanalia focuses on farm-to-table practices, featuring ingredients from its own nearby farm, while THE CHASTAIN emphasizes seasonal, locally sourced produce, creating delicious dishes with a low environmental impact, using herbs and produce from their very own THE CHASTAIN culinary garden when possible.

When dining out, seek out spots that source their ingredients from local farms, such as Little Bear, Atlas, Palo Santo, Lazy Betty, Your 3rd Spot, Georgia Boy, Spring, Avize, the Farmhouse at Serenbe, and Talat Market — all restaurants at the forefront of sustainability in Atlanta. 

Shop Local at Farmers Markets 

Farmers markets, like Freedom Farmers Market, Grant Park Farmers Market, and Peachtree Road Farmers Market, are also perfect for picking up locally grown produce, meat, honey, cheese, and preserves. Sampling local flavors is a great way to connect with the city’s sustainable food scene, which is a hub for fresh produce reflecting the changing seasons’ harvest. In spring, markets are filled with leafy greens, strawberries, and sweet peas, while summer brings an abundance of peaches, tomatoes, and melons. Autumn ushers in pumpkins, root vegetables, and apples, while winter markets highlight hearty greens like kale and locally produced goods such as honey and artisan cheeses. These seasonal shifts create a dynamic shopping experience, where visitors can savor the flavors of Georgia’s farms year-round.

Stay in Eco-friendly Accommodations

Many Atlanta hotels are prioritizing sustainable practices, such as reducing water and energy usage, offering eco-friendly amenities, and sourcing locally. Look for hotels that have LEED certification or similar eco-friendly ratings. The Kimpton Shane Hotel is an excellent example, as it focuses on environmentally-conscious features like energy-efficient LED bulbs, low-flow water systems, clean air, recycling programs, and large, refillable shower amenities in every guest bathroom. There are also some simple things you can do to make your trip a little more eco-friendly when staying in a hotel. When you’re heading out to explore the city, adjust the air conditioning in your room, close the curtains to save energy, and turn off all lights.

Visit Eco-Certified Attractions

Many of Atlanta’s top attractions are committed to sustainability. The Georgia Aquarium is a leader in marine conservation and education, while the Center for Puppetry Arts holds a silver LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. State Farm Arena, a multipurpose stadium where the Atlanta Hawks play, is also committed to sustainable practices like hosting zero-waste events and diverting millions of pounds of waste from landfills. What exactly does this mean? SFA has recycled millions of pounds of materials (aluminum, cardboard, plastics, glass, etc.) in addition to composting nearly a million pounds of food and organic material. A visit to these establishments allows you to engage with Atlanta’s culture and history while supporting organizations that prioritize environmental responsibility.

Support Local Artisans and Sustainable Shops

Atlanta is a shopper’s delight with many locally-owned boutiques, making it easy to support the community, including Black-owned businesses, LGBTQ+, and women-owned businesses. For a meaningful souvenir, look for handcrafted items like art prints, jewelry, Atlanta-themed home goods, handmade candles, or a stylish ATL tee. Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market house a variety of vendors specializing in sustainably made, locally sourced products. Don’t forget your reusable shopping bags and totes to store your purchases.

Bring Your Own Water Bottle or Buy a Reusable One

Reduce plastic waste in Atlanta by bringing your own reusable water bottle. The city has numerous refill stations, especially around tourist-friendly spots like the Atlanta Beltline, so you can stay hydrated without single-use plastics. Many local cafes, like Brash Coffee at the Atlanta History Center and East Pole, encourage visitors to bring reusable cups, making it easy to enjoy your beverage while supporting eco-friendly practices.

Seek Out Sustainable Artwork

Many Atlanta artists get scrappy with their creations by using sustainable materials in the process. Artist Hyland Mather’s 3-D public art installation in Midtown titled “Nice Time” is made of recycled plastic. And then across from New Realm Brewing on the Beltline, you’ll find a skull-shaped sculpture made entirely of discarded plastic flowers from cemeteries across Georgia; called “Steered by Falling Stars,” it was created by University of Georgia Director Joseph Peragine and Professor Mary Hallam Pearse.  

Volunteer with a Local Charity

Unearth Atlanta’s giving spirit by getting involved in local sustainability efforts during your visit. Atlanta offers a variety of volunteer opportunities where you can lend a hand to community gardens, environmental cleanups, and conservation projects. Engaging in these activities not only helps preserve the city’s lush landscapes but also allows you to connect with locals and learn more about their dedication to sustainability. Whether you’re planting trees, participating in recycling initiatives or supporting local farms, your efforts will contribute to a greener Atlanta while enriching your travel experience. Embrace the chance to give back through organizations like Hands on Atlanta and make a positive impact during your stay.

When you return home, consider all the easy ways you can continue these simple practices for a more sustainable world. It CAN be easy to be green.