From the small, and dying, succulent on your school desk to the practically ancient trees on the college quad, you see nature around every corner. Next to these scattered green spaces are towering, metal buildings, construction trucks, flowing gas from the cafeteria (what is that?) and little pieces of garbage scattered across campus. As proponents of earth-friendly practices, you would think we would put forward a bit more "green" progress. Some things are out of our control, but the one thing we can take charge of is what we put in our month and where we spend our money. Indianapolis is a growing city (literally and figuratively). Some of the best restaurants and businesses are environmentally-friendly, so your stomach and the Earth are happy. Next time you're in this city, be sure to hit up these green spaces --
1. Public Greens
Hoosier Martha Hoover is the powerhouse behind a community of restaurants that promotes urban farming and cooking in the city. The restaurant grows its own crops via a micro-farm. These fruits and vegetables are used to make the restaurant's food and help out their sister non-profit, The Patachou Foundation. Some of her other restaurants include Cafe Patachou, Petite Chou Bistro, Napolese Pizzeria, Urban Kitchen and Crispy Bird. Above all, Hoover founded the Patachou Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps to fight childhood hunger in the Indianapolis area. Let's not forget, Vogue wrote a highlight piece about Martha only a few weeks ago! Let's just say, Martha and her collection of restaurants have made a huge impact on the growing city of Indy.
2. Broad Ripple Ice Cream Station
BRICS is a go-to spot for families, college students and Broad Ripple night-goers to grab some ice cream on the go. Located right next to the winding Monon Trail, BRICS is in a prime location nestled within businesses in downtown Broad Ripple. In order to leave a green footprint, BRICS uses metal testing spoons and glass ice cream dishes to avoid wasting containers. Also, BRICS helps out walkers and runners via a refillable water station near the trail, so they can refill their reusable water bottles.
3. Locally Grown Gardens
When you find this unique farmer's market on the side of 54th Street, you know you're in for an experience. Locally Grown Gardens is a year-round farmer's market owned by Ronald Harris, a successful chef. "Being hot on the block also includes “keeping it real," Ron describes on the market's website. The food and produce sold at the market is locally grown (hence the title), and he tries to connect the farmer to the customer. Farm-er to table?