Become a Part of Detroit: Ways to Give Back & Go Green on Your Trip to the City

Detroit has a number of urban farming and farm-to-table initiatives that anybody can enjoy or support through volunteering. One place to start is at Wayne State University, and SEED Wayne, a group of projects dedicated to building sustainable food systems both on campus and in surrounding Detroit area communities. SEED Wayne runs WSU’s Warrior Demonstration Garden, St. Andrew's Allotment Garden, and the WSU Farmer’s Market, which is open for 22 weeks of the year. Outside of the University, check out D-Town Farm (including its farm stand and seasonal events), Earthworks Urban Farm (including tours and volunteer opportunities), and Keep Growing Detroit (featuring a number of classes and workshops). If you are looking to support farm-to-table dining in Detroit, some great options are Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails, Freya, and Coriander.

Belle Isle (originally called “Wah-na-be-zee” or Swan Island by local Anishinaabe people) is Detroit’s own “Central Park” and is a must-visit for anyone looking for their daily dose of nature in the heart of the city. Walk along nature trails, visit the lighthouse, or watch the sunset over the city skyline by the Scott Memorial Fountain. There is also the Belle Isle Nature Center, Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, or the Belle Isle Aquarium, the oldest in North America.

Is there a way to get around Detroit without a car? While there is no centralized light rail system (yet), there are a few low-impact ways to see the city:

The Detroit People Mover is an automated light rail system running in a 2.9 mile loop around downtown Detroit. The People Mover provides quick, easy and safe transportation to 13 stations (including the GM Renaissance Center, Greektown and Huntington Place in a span of about 15 minutes – while providing stunning scenic views of the city and river.

The QLine: To get from downtown to midtown, you can take the QLine, a modern streetcar that serves 20 stations at 12 locations along 3.3 miles along Woodward Avenue.

Bike Rentals: Mogo is Detroit’s first public bike-sharing system. Designed for quick trips around town, MoGo is a fun, flexible and convenient way to get around. Detroit’s bike share system has 430 bikes and 43 stations in 10 Detroit neighborhoods.

There are also DDOT & Smart buses which operate within and outside of the city of Detroit. For a primer on how to navigate the bus system, see this guide by Detroit Transit Riders United.

Opting to stay in a low-impact lodging during your travels offers far more than just a place to rest your head – it is a conscious choice that can positively impact both your experience and the environment. Here are some eco-friendly options in Detroit:

The Shinola Hotel is a boutique hotel in the center of the Woodward shopping district. It is both opulent and environmentally responsible; teaming up with real estate company Bedrock, the hotel meticulously rejuvenated the historic building while integrating several energy-efficient upgrades, offering renewable materials over non-disposable plastics, and presenting an array of environmentally-friendly amenities in each guest room.

The El Moore Lodge is an eco-conscious haven in Detroit. This sustainable boutique hotel embraces a number of environmentally friendly practices solar panels, high-efficiency windows, energy recovery units, rainwater harvesting, on-site gardens, composting, and geothermal heating and cooling.

The Siren Hotel is another boutique hotel in downtown Detroit which incorporates energy-efficient amenities, water-efficient showers, a green roof and garden, and locally-sourced food with plenty of vegan & vegetarian options on its menus.

The MGM Grand Detroit is a luxurious fusion of hotel, spa, and casino, all underscored by a noteworthy environmental pledge. This commitment positions it among Detroit's leading eco-conscious hotels. Notable features of this commitment include a sprawling urban farm and greenhouse, recognition as a Green Lodging Michigan Leader, and a comprehensive recycling initiative.

Whether a resident or visitor, for a day or for a more prolonged term, there are a number of things you can do to make a positive difference and become a part of the unique story of Detroit. Plant trees with the Greening of Detroit; write newsletters for Bees in the D; deliver food to homebound seniors with Focus Hope; help out in Capuchin Soup Kitchen; pack emergency food boxes for Forgotten Harvest. Check their websites for more up-to-date information on available opportunities.

By adopting eco-friendly and socially-conscious practices, we practice responsible tourism and contribute to Detroit's ongoing transformation. This "green" journey allows us to not only enjoy the city's offerings but also play a vital role in preserving its legacy and beauty for the future.