Exploring the City through Sustainability

This year, during my Thanksgiving stay in New York, after finally getting off campus for the first time in months, I plan on exploring New York through the lens of sustainability. Instead of getting swept up in Black Friday sales and endless leftovers, I’m going to spend my holiday weekend exploring all the sustainable gems New York City has to offer. From thrifting adventures to zero-waste shopping and farm-to-table meals, I’ll get to learn more about New York City and all its eco-friendly hotspots.

Thrifting My Way Through the City

It all started when I stumbled on a TikTok about Thrifting by the Kilo, where you literally pay for clothes by weight instead of per item. Not only does it make thrifting more fun, but it also makes sustainable fashion feel approachable and exciting.

I’ve always loved the idea that fashion doesn’t have to be wasteful. EarthDay.org put it perfectly: Thrifting keeps clothes out of landfills and gives new life to pieces that already exist. It’s recycling, but way more stylish.

So I’m dedicating a full day to thrift-hopping through the city by hitting spots like Vintage on 46th, Garage Sale Vintage, Thrift NYC, and 2nd STREET Chelsea. I’ll definitely pop into Goodwill NYNJ, INA, and maybe even the Salvation Army Thrift Store if I have time. I’m also eyeing Upcycled NYC, which turns old materials into new creations.

I love that every thrift shop in New York has its own story. You never know if you’ll walk out with a vintage leather jacket or a quirky ’90s tee that feels like it was waiting just for you.

Morning at the Farmers Markets

Saturday morning, I’m heading out early to the Tucker Square Greenmarket to see all the fresh produce and eats this city has to offer. I love wandering through farmers' markets looking at the vibrant colors, the smells, the local honey samples… It’s all part of the magic.

If I’m feeling ambitious (and caffeinated), I’ll head over to the Union Square Greenmarket. I plan to grab some fresh bread, apples, and maybe a jar of homemade jam to take home. Something is grounding about buying directly from the people who grew the food, which makes every bite feel more intentional.

Lunch with a Conscience

After a long morning of exploring, I’m treating myself to a sustainable lunch. I’ve narrowed it down to two spots:

• Dirt Candy - a creative vegetarian restaurant that makes vegetables the star of the show.

• ABC Kitchen -  a farm-to-table restaurant that works with local producers and serves up beautifully simple, seasonal dishes.

Either way, I’ll be eating something fresh, flavorful, and made with care.  There will be no guilt, no waste, just yummy food to fill my stomach. 

Zero Waste Stops & Eco-Fashion Finds

Later in the weekend, I’m planning to check out A Sustainable Village, a zero-waste shop and refillery. As I’ve been wanting to bring more refillable products into my routine, things like shampoo, soap, and pantry staples. Therefore, this seems like the perfect place to start.

For fashion, I’ll probably stop by a few well-known sustainable brands that have been showing up on my Pinterest recently:

• Industry of All Nations (they do undyed, ethically made basics)

• Patagonia (for functional and planet-friendly staples)

• Reformation (because sustainability and style don’t have to be opposites)

Even just browsing these stores reminds me how powerful small choices can be and how easy it is to embrace sustainability. 

Gratitude, the Sustainable Way

This Thanksgiving break, I want to not just focus on all the people I am thankful for, but instead I also want to recognize the earth. I want to thank Mother Earth for giving us bountiful food, resources, and a home. 

Therefore, through my little sustainability journey across New York, I hope to pay my respects to Earth and, along the way, uncover some of the quirks of this city. 

While New York has a reputation for being fast-paced, when you start looking for the sustainable side of the city, it actually teaches you to slow down. To look closer. To care a little more.

So that’s my plan for Thanksgiving this year! 

Hope you follow along to see how it goes ❤️❤️