Planning a trip to your next destination is always fun, and traveling sustainably is even better! Whether you're prioritizing shopping at eco-friendly businesses, seeking a greener choice hotel, or exploring how to travel more sustainably, find it here in Ann Arbor.
Enjoy these eco-friendly ideas and browse the Ann Arbor Zero Waste City Guide to learn more.
Plan: Book the Hotel
For eco-friendly stays, book a night at the Staybridge Suites Ann Arbor, offering complimentary breakfast and a low carbon footprint. Other best bets include the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, and the DoubleTree by Hilton Ann Arbor North, hosting a fitness center and spa. Browse hotels here.
Start your day: Vertex Coffee Roasters
Start with coffee and a pastry at Vertex Coffee Roasters. This welcoming and inclusive cafe is dedicated to producing less waste with coffee served in compostable cups. Bring your own travel mug to help reduce single serve containers. View Vertex's zero waste practices.
Mid-Morning: Nature Preserves
Take a serene stroll through a nature preserve like Riverwood Nature Area or Bird Hills Nature Area, the largest natural area and sanctuary for hikers in the city. See firsthand how A2 is moving forward in keeping our water, air, and natural resources protected for generations to come. View Ann Arbor parks.
Lunch: Zero Waste Takeout
Some Ann Arbor restaurants invite guests to participate in zero-waste takeout. 'Check out' a to-go container and return it at these beloved spots: Zingerman's Next Door, El Harissa, Ginger Deli, and dessert at Cinnaholic. Click here for details.
Mid-Day: Eco-Conscious Shopping
Many Ann Arbor area businesses keep sustainability in mind. Bring your own container to BYOC Co. in Ann Arbor or to their 'refill station' at Stone & Spoon in Ypsilanti. This is a fun and environmentally friendly way to fill up on your most used items like hair products and cleaning supplies. In Milan, Pink Shamrocks lovingly repurposes furniture and handcrafts new pieces from local downed trees and discarded lumber.
Afternoon: People's Food Co-Op
Head back to downtown Ann Arbor and visit the People's Food Co-Op for local, organic, and sustainable items. This community-focused market prioritizes recycling efforts and food donations when possible. If you're staying in a nearby hotel, stop here for wholesome snacks.
Dinner: Detroit Street Filling Station
You've worked up an appetite for dinner. Make Detroit Street Filling Station your next stop. This 100% vegan restaurant brings a flavorful and creative menu using locally grown, organic ingredients. The best part? The food is unbelievably good with reduced environmental impact from delivery trucks.
Evening: Grab a Drink
Have a drink with sustainability in mind at Ann Arbor Distilling Co., made with award-winning spirits and Michigan-sourced ingredients. Food trucks here run on energy plug-ins provided by the business.
Try a new mead or cider at Bløm Meadworks offering a gluten / vegan friendly menu and exciting weekly events. Blom practices energy conservation and composting, and encourages recycling. These small steps add up to a solid sustainability plan.
These Ann Arbor area businesses are making sustainability a priority. You can help keep Ann Arbor eco-friendly: Browse the Ann Arbor Zero Waste City Guide.
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Very special thank you to @coffeeannarbor for providing this itinerary's featured photo!
