Stay at a Sustainable Hotel

La Quinta Resort & Spa is a luxurious hotel located in the city of La Quinta. It's also a sustainable hotel, with a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and conserving resources. The hotel has implemented a number of sustainable practices, including using energy-efficient lighting and appliances, recycling and composting, and conserving water through low-flow fixtures and landscaping. Guests can feel good about their stay knowing that they're supporting a hotel that cares about the environment. Additionally, don’t miss the opportunity to give back to the local community when booking Kind Hotels in Greater Palm Springs on Kind Traveler. Through a new regenerative travel program launched earlier this year, travelers will discover exclusive offers from participating Kind Hotels upon a $10 or more donation to local charities that positively impact Greater Palm Springs including Friends of the Desert Mountains and The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert. 100% of donations go to the participating local charities. Find exclusive offers and learn more here.

Attend Local Farmers' Markets

One of the best ways to experience the local culture and support sustainable agriculture is to attend a farmers' market. Greater Palm Springs has several farmers' markets throughout the week, offering fresh produce, artisanal products, and more. The Palm Springs Certified Farmers Market is held every Saturday and features over 100 vendors, selling everything from organic fruits and vegetables to handmade soaps and candles. The Palm Desert Certified Farmers Market is held every Sunday and offers a similar selection of products. Attending a farmers' market is a great way to eat healthy, support local businesses, and reduce your carbon footprint by buying locally sourced products.

Go on a Bike Ride with Pedego Electric Bikes

Biking is a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the Greater Palm Springs area. Pedego Electric Bikes offers electric bike rentals, making it easy for everyone to enjoy a bike ride, regardless of their fitness level. Electric bikes are a great way to cover more ground and see more of the area without getting tired. Plus, they're emission-free, so you can feel good about reducing your carbon footprint while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Greater Palm Springs.

Enjoy a Farm-to-Table Meal at RD RNNR

(Photo Credit: Mel Bell Photography)

RD RNNR is a farm-to-table restaurant located in La Quinta, serving up delicious, seasonal cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant sources its produce from local farmers and changes its menu frequently to reflect the availability of seasonal ingredients. Guests can enjoy a delicious meal while supporting sustainable agriculture and reducing their carbon footprint by eating locally sourced food.

Shop Smart at Thrift Stores

Shopping at thrift stores is an eco-friendly way to reduce waste and support sustainable fashion. The Fine Art of Design is a thrift store located in Palm Desert, offering a carefully curated selection of vintage and designer clothing, accessories, and home decor. By shopping at thrift stores, you're helping to reduce the demand for new clothing and reducing the amount of clothing that ends up in landfills.

Enjoy the Living Desert

The Living Desert is a unique zoo and botanical garden located in Palm Desert, dedicated to preserving and showcasing desert wildlife and plants. The zoo features over 450 animals of 150 different species, including endangered species such as the Peninsular bighorn sheep and the Arabian oryx. The Living Desert also has a strong commitment to conservation, with a number of programs and initiatives dedicated to protecting endangered species and their habitats. By visiting The Living Desert, you can learn more about desert wildlife and support the conservation efforts of this important institution.

Eco-Friendly Trip Tips

1. Choose eco-friendly accommodations: Look for hotels, resorts, or vacation rentals that prioritize sustainability and eco-friendliness. Some options in Greater Palm Springs include The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage, which has a LEED certification for its energy-efficient design.

2. Use public transportation: Consider renting a bike, taking a ride-share service, or using the SunLine Transit Agency's bus service to get around.

3. Support local businesses: Shopping and dining at locally owned businesses not only supports the local economy but also helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with shipping and transporting goods from outside the area.

4. Respect the natural environment: When exploring Greater Palm Springs' natural beauty, be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles, such as staying on designated trails, packing out all trash, and avoiding disturbing wildlife.

5. Bring a reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is important in the desert, but single-use plastic water bottles can be harmful to the environment. Bring a reusable water bottle that you can refill throughout the day.

6. Choose eco-friendly activities: There are plenty of eco-friendly activities to enjoy in Greater Palm Springs, such as hiking and visiting local farmers' markets.

7. Be mindful of energy use: When staying in accommodations, be mindful of energy use by turning off lights and electronics when not in use, taking shorter showers, and adjusting the thermostat to conserve energy.