Sustainability in Orlando: Planet-Friendly Places to Stay, Play, and Shop

Many Orlando hotels and resorts are committed to preserving Florida’s natural resources through practices like water conservation, waste minimization and energy efficiency. You’ll find more than 100 Florida Green Lodging-certified properties in the Orlando area, as well as accommodations with globally renowned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications. In fact, the city of Orlando itself earned a LEED for Cities Gold certification for its commitment to promoting an eco-friendly way of life.

The Castle Hotel in the International Drive Entertainment District offers energy-efficient lighting, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and guest room recycling. Iconic entertainment resorts Walt Disney World® Resort and Universal Orlando Resort have the Florida Green Lodging designation for sustainable practices from waste reduction to water conservation.

Experience Orlando’s walkable City District. With access to bikes and public transportation, it’s perfect for exploring local shops, restaurants and artsy neighborhoods. A short distance from International Drive, stay in visionary Lake Nona – a neighborhood known for innovation with LEED-certified, AAA Four Diamond-rated lodging and electric shuttles.

At year-round attractions like Orlando’s iconic theme parks, small changes can make a big difference in environmental impact. While you’re enjoying thrill rides, rest assured that planet-protective measures are in place all around you, like at Universal Orlando Resort, where they recycle around 10,000 tons of food and materials each year, diverting waste from landfills. Walt Disney World® Resort sources renewable energy from solar arrays surrounded by pollinator habitat, and both Walt Disney World® Resort and SeaWorld® Orlando have eliminated single-use plastic straws from their dining features, with SeaWorld® offering plant-based and sustainable menu options.

Throughout Orlando, visit LEED-certified destinations like Orlando Science Center, which houses interactive exhibits on climate and conservation. Watch an Orlando Magic basketball game in the Kia Center that’s equipped with high-efficiency utilities, recycling stations and preferred parking for hybrid and electric vehicles. A short drive from Orlando, learn more about Florida ecosystems during a clear kayak tour of the protected Rock Springs Run. Enjoy the abundance of nature while knowing that your outing has minimal impact on the environment. The eco-friendly fun doesn’t stop there. Visit Showcase of Citrus, a sprawling estate with over 50 varieties of citrus, to pick produce and shop a wide selection of handmade goods.

Local goods and sustainable practices abound in Orlando’s can’t-miss shopping scene of malls, markets and boutiques. Don’t forget your reusable shopping bag when you pick up pre-loved clothing and one-of-a-kind finds at boutiques and thrift stores like The Owl’s Attic, Orlando Vintage Clothing & Costume and Etoile Boutique. Green beauty lovers can sample small-batch, sustainable and plant-based skincare products at Indeu Apothecary in downtown Orlando and Lush Handmade Cosmetics in The Mall at Millenia and the Florida Mall. Support the environment and local businesses when you spend the weekends browsing fresh produce and handmade goods at the Orlando Farmers Market and the Winter Park Farmers Market.

Fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO), Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) or Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) and rent an electric vehicle or take public transportation to your first stop. LYNX buses and SunRail commuter trains run throughout Orlando, while the Brightline high-speed passenger rail connects the area to several cities in South Florida.