As one of the most eco-conscious cities in the U.S., Denver offers residents and visitors plenty of ways to live sustainably and reduce their environmental footprint. From recycling initiatives and public transportation to local farmers’ markets and green building practices, the Mile High City is all about blending urban life with eco-friendly living. Whether you’re a lifelong local or a newcomer looking to adopt more sustainable habits, here’s your ultimate guide to living green in Denver.
Support Local and Sustainable Food
Denver’s local food scene is brimming with sustainable options that promote healthy living and reduce environmental impact. Supporting local farmers and food producers not only helps the local economy but also decreases the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation.
- Farmers’ Markets: Denver is home to numerous year-round farmers’ markets that offer fresh, locally grown produce, meats, and artisanal goods. Some of the best include The Denver Central Market, Union Station Farmers’ Market, and the Cherry Creek Fresh Market. Shopping at these markets helps reduce your reliance on packaged and processed foods, making it a great way to eat seasonally while supporting small-scale farmers.
- Sustainable Restaurants: Many Denver restaurants emphasize sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly practices, including composting, using organic ingredients, and serving plant-based options. Check out places like the The Denver Central Market, Root Down, and Linger, where sustainability meets great taste.
The Denver Central Market
Where? 2669 Larimer St
Brimming with local, sustainable options, Denver Central Market is a hub for eco-conscious dining and shopping. Located in the RiNo District, this food hall showcases a variety of vendors that prioritize organic, non-GMO, and ethically sourced ingredients. The market’s vibrant atmosphere reflects Denver’s commitment to sustainability, offering a diverse range of products from sustainable seafood and meats to fresh produce and artisanal cheeses. Many of the vendors also adopt eco-friendly practices such as composting, reducing packaging waste, and offering plant-based alternatives.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or shopping for ingredients to take home, Denver Central Market offers a great place to support local and sustainable food practices in the heart of the city.
PRO Tip: Make sure to bring your own reusable shopping bags when you visit The Denver Central Market to reduce single-use plastic waste. Many of the vendors also offer discounts if you bring your own containers for take-out or to refill dry goods.
Root Down
Where? 1600 W 33rd Ave, Denver, CO
Root Down is one of Denver’s standout restaurants when it comes to sustainable dining. Located in the Highland neighborhood, Root Down is known for its commitment to using locally sourced, organic ingredients. The restaurant emphasizes farm-to-table cuisine with a menu that changes seasonally to reflect the freshest, most sustainable options available.
In addition to its food, Root Down is also dedicated to sustainability in its operations. The restaurant incorporates eco-friendly practices such as composting, reducing energy consumption, and offering environmentally conscious takeout options. Whether you’re in the mood for a delicious meal or a sustainable brunch, Root Down’s commitment to the environment makes it a great choice for eco-conscious diners.
PRO Tip: Root Down often offers plant-based menu items that are both healthy and environmentally friendly. Try their plant-based options to reduce your carbon footprint while still enjoying a delicious meal!
Cherry Creek Fresh Market
Where? Cherry Creek Shopping Center
The Cherry Creek Fresh Market is one of Denver’s most popular seasonal farmers’ markets, offering a vibrant community experience for shoppers who want to support local farmers and enjoy fresh, sustainable food. This market is open from May through mid-October, making it a great place to shop for fresh, organic produce, meats, dairy, and specialty items. Many of the vendors here follow sustainable farming practices, focusing on organic, non-GMO products that are better for the environment.
In addition to fresh food, the market also features local artisans selling handmade goods, sustainable products, and crafts, so it’s a great spot to support multiple aspects of the local economy. Plus, the Cherry Creek Fresh Market offers FREE parking—shoppers can get their parking validated at the market. Its prime location near the Cherry Creek Shopping Center makes it easy to stock up on groceries while enjoying the outdoor market atmosphere.
PRO Tip: Stop by early for the best selection of fresh produce, baked goods, and prepared food options. And if you’re bringing home a lot of items, don’t forget your reusable bags to cut down on waste!
Use Public Transportation and Alternative Transit Options
One of the simplest ways to reduce your carbon footprint in Denver is to opt for public transportation. Denver boasts a growing, accessible network that makes it easy to travel around the city without relying on a car.
- RTD (Regional Transportation District): The RTD bus and light rail systems are affordable, reliable, and offer extensive routes around the city and beyond. Taking public transit reduces the number of cars on the road, leading to less congestion and pollution.
- Biking: With Denver’s many bike lanes and bike-sharing programs like BCycle, cycling is a great, eco-friendly way to get around. Whether you’re commuting to work or just exploring the city, biking helps reduce emissions and keeps you fit.
- Electric Scooters & Car-Sharing: For short trips, consider using electric scooters or car-sharing services like Turo or Zipcar. These alternatives to car ownership promote sustainable mobility without the hassle of maintenance or parking.
PRO Tip: Take advantage of Denver’s public transit discounts for students, seniors, and low-income residents to make eco-friendly commuting even more affordable.
Practice Waste Reduction
Reducing waste and recycling are key components of living sustainably in Denver. The city is committed to creating a zero-waste community, and there are plenty of easy ways to contribute.
- Recycling: Denver offers curbside recycling to all residents, making it simple to separate paper, plastics, glass, and metal. Be mindful of what goes in the bin, and ensure you’re following the guidelines to avoid contamination. The city’s Waste Diversion Program helps keep materials out of landfills and promotes recycling best practices.
- Composting: Many Denver residents take advantage of the city’s composting program, which allows organic waste like food scraps and yard clippings to be turned into nutrient-rich soil. Local businesses and residents can drop off compostable materials at various drop-off locations around the city or even have it picked up through a curbside service.
- Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Denver is actively working to reduce single-use plastics. Many stores, cafes, and restaurants have already adopted policies to use paper or biodegradable alternatives. You can make a big difference by carrying your own reusable shopping bags, coffee cups, and water bottles, reducing your reliance on disposable plastics.
PRO Tip: Always check the city’s recycling guidelines to ensure you’re properly sorting recyclables and composting materials. When in doubt, it’s better to toss it in the landfill bin than contaminate a recycling or composting bin.
Green Building Practices and Sustainable Living Spaces
In Denver, many buildings are embracing energy-efficient designs and green construction practices. The city is known for its modern, eco-friendly housing and commercial spaces that prioritize sustainability.
- LEED-Certified Buildings: The city has a number of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified buildings, which follow strict guidelines for energy conservation, water efficiency, and sustainable construction. Look for LEED-certified buildings when choosing a place to live or work, as they provide healthier indoor environments and lower utility costs.
- Solar Energy: Denver enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year, making it an ideal place for solar power. Many residents have invested in solar panels to power their homes, and numerous city programs offer incentives for installing solar energy systems. If you’re interested in renewable energy, look into solar rebates or leasing options through local providers.
PRO Tip: If you’re in the market for a new home or apartment, look for one that has been built with sustainable materials and energy-efficient features. Many new developments in Denver incorporate green building practices, making it easy to live more sustainably.
Support Eco-Friendly Local Businesses
Supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability can have a major impact on your city’s overall environmental footprint. Denver is home to several eco-friendly businesses, from sustainable fashion stores to green energy suppliers.
- Eco-Friendly Services: Many service providers in Denver offer eco-conscious alternatives. From car washes that use water-saving techniques to green home cleaning services, these businesses are committed to reducing their environmental impact.
- Zero-Waste Stores: Shops like ZERO Market and Refillary allow you to purchase everyday products like shampoo, detergent, and food without the packaging. These stores focus on bulk goods and refillable containers, so you can reduce waste while still finding high-quality items.
ZERO Market
Where? 2501 Dallas St, Aurora, CO
ZERO Market is Denver’s premiere zero-waste shop, offering an extensive range of sustainable and eco-friendly products. Located in Aurora, this market is dedicated to helping customers reduce their environmental impact by providing a wide variety of items in bulk or refillable packaging. From everyday products like shampoo, detergent, and cleaning supplies to specialty items, ZERO Market promotes a waste-free lifestyle by encouraging shoppers to bring their own containers for refills.
Additionally, the store carries organic, cruelty-free products, non-toxic cleaning supplies, and eco-friendly personal care items, making it easier for customers to make greener choices without compromising on quality.
PRO Tip: Look for businesses with certifications such as “B Corp” or “Green Business” to ensure that they’re following stringent environmental and social standards. When shopping for clothing or products, always check for eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, bamboo, or recycled fabrics.
Refillary
Where? 19501 E Parker Square Dr, Parker, CO
Refillary is another great sustainable option in the Denver area, focused on reducing packaging waste. Located in Parker, CO, Refillary is a zero-waste store that offers a wide selection of personal care and household cleaning products. Refillary promotes a sustainable lifestyle by allowing customers to purchase items in refillable containers. The store offers an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic packaging, encouraging customers to bring their own containers and reduce their environmental footprint.
Refillary also offers products that support a low-waste lifestyle, such as reusable straws, cloth napkins, and sustainable home goods. They also provide a selection of local, organic, and non-toxic products to help you make more environmentally conscious choices in your daily life. They also offer locally-baked sourdough bread on Fridays and foster adoptable cats at the store!
PRO Tip: If you’re new to zero-waste shopping, start by bringing your own containers to fill with detergents, shampoos, lotions and more. This not only helps reduce packaging waste but also allows you to purchase only the amount you need, which is great for both your budget and the environment. They also always have many free containers to grab!
Engage in Community Sustainability Projects
Denver residents have the opportunity to engage in sustainability projects that contribute to the collective effort of reducing the city’s environmental impact. Whether through volunteering or joining local environmental groups, there are ways to get involved with sustainability initiatives.
- Neighborhood Cleanups and Tree Plantings: Join one of Denver’s many community events aimed at cleaning up local parks, rivers, and streets. Volunteers can participate in tree planting efforts or other activities that help create a cleaner, greener city.
- Urban Farming and Gardening: Many Denver neighborhoods support urban farming and gardening projects. Whether you’re growing your own food in a community garden or volunteering at a local farm, these efforts help reduce food waste and contribute to a more sustainable local food system.
PRO Tip: Get involved in your neighborhood’s community clean-up days or tree planting events. Not only do these projects help create a cleaner environment, but they also foster a sense of community and shared responsibility for the planet.
Follow These Tips to Live Sustainably
Living sustainably in Denver is all about making conscious choices that prioritize the environment, community, and health. Whether it’s supporting local, sustainable food options, reducing waste, or embracing alternative transit methods, the Mile High City offers numerous opportunities for individuals to reduce their carbon footprint. By following these tips and adopting more eco-friendly habits, you’ll be doing your part to ensure that Denver remains a vibrant, green city for generations to come.