The Future New Orleans Food Cooperative. (Photo Credit: nolafoodcoop.org)
With efforts from the city to encourage more bike riding and recycling, New Orleans is becoming a little more green each day. All across the city, people are building and living green lifestyles. A section of town definitely leading the pack in this effort is the Bywater-Marginy area. Throughout this area of New Orleans, you can find cool projects going on that are full of creativity and great for the community. I challenge you to take a Green Tour of the Bywater-Marigny area! Here are a few of my favorite spots:
The Green Project. (Photo Credit: thegreenproject.org)
Green Project
The Green Project is one of my favorite nonprofits. A building supply retail store dedicated to environmental sustainability, the space is more than just a retail store – it’s a warehouse, a lumberyard, and a paint and electronic waste recycling center. I have visited this organization many times and seen interesting window panes, cabinets, and other unique finds. This is a great place to go when you are feeling creative and want to take home some neat finds for your own projects. In addition to getting a little supply shopping done, you can check out one of the uber-cool educational workshops the Green Project has available. On offer are such upcoming classes as Chicken Coop Building, Home Composting Systems, and more. If you want to get a little more involved, you can volunteer at The Green Project. You will definitely have a great time helping out and meeting new people. Also, there are usually yummy cookies, which are worth it, trust me.
The ReUse District. (Photo Credit: thereusedistrict.org)
ReUse District
An exciting project happening in the area is the Reuse District. The Reuse District is a collaboration of different organizations dedicated to promoting the appreciation of reused materials. The members of the Reuse District create art, clothing, materials, books and more, turning reused things into new creations. One cool organization you can find through the ReUse District is Plan B: New Orleans Community Bike Project, which promotes cycling throughout the city. Another favorite everyone should visit is Dr. Bob Folk Art, whose pieces all incorporate reused material. Dr. Bob is the great artist that makes the “Be Nice or Leave” signs you may have seen all over town.
Byrdie’s Gallery
Byrdie’s Gallery is very unique and amazing place that everyone should check out, if only for its cool name. Byrdie’s Gallery is not only a space for wonderful art exhibitions but also a tea and coffee shop that offers wonderful worldly tea and locally roasted coffee. Don’t forget to grab a pastry as you admire the art. Currently gracing Byrdie’s is a show entitled “Totally Bald” and coming soon the works of Christopher Stone. If coffee and art aren’t enough for you, check out their wheel thrown pottery class. In addition, the studio portion of the shop now offers beginners ceramics classes; maybe you can create your own teapot.
Fountains at Harold's Indoor/Outdoor Plants.
Harold’s Indoor /Outdoor Plants
Stop by Harold’s and check out some of the most wonderful flowers New Orleans has to offer. There are so many beautiful specimens to admire and take home. Harold’s is a great place to pick out some plants in order to create your own green space at home. Personally, I am most excited by their extensive collection of different types of mints leaves.
New Orleans Food Cooperative
You don’t want to miss the New Orleans Food Cooperative. The Food Co-Op will soon open in a new space called the New Orleans Healing Center, which is a sustainable center that will provide programs and services that promote physical, mental, intellectual, and environmental well-being. Other than the Food Co-Op, organizations opening up in the center will include Wild Lotus Yoga Studio, The Movement Room Dance Studio, Interfaith Center, Fatoush Restaurant & Juice Bar and so much more.
There are so many great things for you to find in the Bywater/Marigny area! One day, try making a list and creating your own tour. Take this opportunity to see all the great things happening in New Orleans, especially these efforts to make our city a little greener step by step.
What’s your favorite stop in the Bywater neighborhood?
Like this article? Check out these about Bacchanal in the Bywater, Mimi’s in the Marigny, and the Green Light District.
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