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Going Green
2008 10Best Bet - Award Winners
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CAPITOL HILL. A familiar sight to those traveling from the Southwest or West Coast, Buffalo Exchange has an outlet on Capitol Hill in Denver. Providing a resource for fashion-minded hipsters to trade, sell and purchase gently used clothing, Buffalo Exchange promotes social responsibility as one of its purposes.
SOUTH DENVER. You don't have to cross the Rocky Mountains to get real Palisade peaches. The Denver Farmers Market provides a number of locations where you can purchase fresh, locally grown items directly from the farmers themselves. Colorado produce includes chile peppers, tomatoes, melons and corn.
AIRPORT. Denver International Airport earns kudos for its excellent environmental record. It's the only airport to have been accepted into the EPA's National Environmental Performance Track Program, and it's the only US airport to meet or exceed international ISO 14001 standards. DIA's Environmental Management System covers everything from recycling cardboard, aluminum and de-icing fluid to utilizing vehicles that run on electricity, biodiesel and compressed natural gas.
CITY PARK. The Denver Zoo has always been committed to the conservation and preservation of wildlife. Now, visitors can help the effort through a program known as "Answer the Call of the Wild!" Guests of the zoo can bring in, or mail to the zoo, their used cell phones for recycling. The phones are then refurbished and given to local and international organizations for reuse.
SOUTH DENVER. Located a few blocks from the Denver University campus, Kaladi Brothers brews only java that is certified as having been organically grown on farms that promote environmentally sustainable practices. Their vendors also attest to promoting fair trade. Furthermore, Kaladi Brothers roasts their own beans, so every cup has its own rich distinct flavor.
DOWNTOWN. Most Denver residents associate Mercury Café with swing dancing, late-night desserts, and eclectic atmosphere. What they may not know is that "the Merc" has been flagged "Greenprint" by the City and County of Denver. Not only are the bathrooms designed to conserve water, but 80% of the organic food served is produced locally.
Visitors don't have to rent a hybrid car or take the bus to promote energy-efficient travel in Denver. Instead, they can support Metro Taxi, which has pledged to replace every car they operate with an environmentally friendly, hybrid model.
AURORA. Since the 1980s, the Raptor Education Foundation has been promoting awareness of human impact on the environment, especially as that impact affects the habitats of large birds. As part of its mission, the organization also provides tours of its Metro Denver facility. Visitors can observe bald eagles, golden eagles, hawks and other fascinating birds while supporting a cause that protects the environment.
RTD oversees all public transportation in the Denver metro area, including bus and light rail. Approved by Colorado voters, Fast Tracks is a new project spearheaded by the Regional Transportation District to provide more public transit to the Denver area. Visitors to Denver can take the free MallRide shuttles (along downtown's 16th Street Mall) to the RTD stations at Market or Broadway for more information.
LODO. The Alliance Center, which houses 28 non-profit organizations, occupies an historic building that has been fully renovated to comply with the Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. To date, it is one of only two buildings ever to receive two LEED certifications (among its other notable awards). Group tours can be arranged for the public, and self-guided walking tours are always available. They're out there, and you're proud of them. You're behind their cause and supporting them every chance you get. These environmentally-conscious businesses do their part to preserve the world around us. They include restaurants that use only organic, local produce. They're hotels with green roofs or solar panels. They're shops that deal in fair trade goods or that promote recycling. They deserve a pat on the back – and our patronage – for their globally conscious efforts!
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They're out there, and you're proud of them. You're behind their cause and supporting them every chance you get. These environmentally-conscious businesses do their part to preserve the world around us. They include restaurants that use only organic, local produce. They're hotels with green roofs or solar panels. They're shops that deal in fair trade goods or that promote recycling. They deserve a pat on the back – and our patronage – for their globally conscious efforts!
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