An Aesop Guide to Mindful Travel - New York City

Sensorial waypoints through a more sustainable city.

Shimmering towers, steaming manhole covers, the regular beep of the bodega door—as with most metropolises, experiencing the Big Apple sometimes verges on sensory overload. That is what gives the city its verve and excitement, and yet such an abundance of stimuli does not always feel sustainable for the self, or the planet. Sometimes the city needs to sleep, perhaps dreaming up a different way to be. It’s up to you, New York, and all who call you home—be it for a lifetime or just for a night.
To acquaint residents and visitors alike with ideas and environments that redefine the essence of the town, Aesopians have gathered a selection of recommendations that give a glimpse of a more nourishing and sustainable future for the city, from zero-waste restaurants to environmental exhibitions.
Happy exploring.

A map of New York City labelled 1-2 indicating address locations. Addresses and further information is described under the heading ‘The city from the saddle’)

See

The city from the saddle Cruise around New York’s parks and tree-lined streets using just your legs for piston power by renting two wheels from Citi Bike®. With over 1,500 miles of dedicated street lanes, and mountain-bike trails in the likes of Highbridge and Wolfe’s Pond parks, there’s much to explore beyond the daily commuter route. 1. GrowNYC Union Square W & E 17th St, New York, NY 10003 Bringing New York a little closer to the countryside, GrowNYC gives Manhattanites access to fresh produce and green spaces. Apart from its much-anticipated farmers’ markets, the organisation helps transform communities by working with local schools. 2. Emerging Ecologies: Architecture and the Rise of Environmentalism MoMa, 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019  Setting a blueprint—quite literally—for how we may respond and adapt to the climate crisis, Emerging Ecologies explores how architects in the 1960s and 70s began to formulate ideas that sought to combat rising pollution, following widespread environmental activism. The exhibition runs from September 17, 2023, to January 20, 2024.

A map of New York City labelled 3 indicating an address location. Address and further information is described under the heading ‘Neighborhood Nature'

A map of New York City labelled 4 indicating an address location. Address and further information is described under the heading ‘Socrates Sculpture Garden’

A map of New York City labelled 5-6 indicating address locations. Addresses and further information is described under the heading ‘Housing Works Bookstore’

A map of New York City labelled 7 indicating an address location. Address and further information is described under the heading ‘Swindler Cove Park’

A map of New York City labelled 1-2 indicating address locations. Addresses and further information is described under the heading ‘Urban Design Forum’

A map of New York City labelled 9 indicating an address location. Address and further information is described under the heading ‘Earth & Me’

A map of New York City labelled 10-12 indicating address locations. Addresses and further information is described under the heading ‘Dirt Candy’

Taste

10. Dirt Candy 86 Allen St., New York, NY 10002 

One of only two vegetarian restaurants in the city with a Michelin star, Dirt Candy serves a single tasting menu to reduce food waste and ensure seasonality. Tips are not expected—instead, celebrated chef Amanda Cohen is committed to paying all employees a living wage.

11. The Fragile Flour 122 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009 

Have your plant-based cake and eat it at this cozy 12-seater dessert and natural wine bar, founded by renowned pastry chef and burlesque dancer Lady Ashton Warren. Highlights of the menu include perfectly soft cookies and brownies, alongside show-stopping four-tier cakes.

12. HAGS 163 1st Ave., New York, NY 10003 

New York City’s first LGBTQIA+ run fine-dining establishment, HAGS applies a queer lens to labor practices and sourcing, defying industry standards by working with like-minded local food suppliers and following a four-day workweek. Order the vegan tasting menu and prepare to feel part of something special.

A map of New York City indicating address locations. Addresses and further information is described under the heading ‘Billion Oyster Project’

Billion Oyster Project Various restaurant locations 

Working to restore oyster reefs around New York Harbor in collaboration with local communities, this organisation grows new reefs using shells collected from restaurant partners. You can support by patronising the establishments listed on billionoysterproject.org, or by joining its volunteering programmes—with no shucking skills required, thankfully.

13. Brooklyn Grange Sunset Park Farm 850 3rd Ave, Roof, Brooklyn, NY 11232

Founded in 2010, Brooklyn Grange is the leading rooftop farming and intensive green roofing business in the US. It works with local organisations to send 30% of its harvest to the underprivileged, with the rest sold at farmers’ markets or cooked up for special dining events, where deliciously fresh fare is served alongside unbeatable views.

A map of New York City labelled 14-15 indicating address locations. Addresses and further information is described under the heading ‘Crosby Street Hotel’

A map of New York City labelled 16 indicating address location. Address and further information is described under the heading ‘One Brooklyn Bridge’

A map of New York City labelled 17 indicating an address location. Address and further information is described under the heading ‘You Can Make a Difference’

‘The window-lights, myriads and myriads / Bloom from the walls like climbing flowers.’
Sara Teasdale