Green Getaways: South Florida's Sustainable Choices for Earth Month
- rcastro05
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
As April arrives, so does Earth Month, a time to reflect on how we can all do our part to build a more sustainable future—including within the hospitality industry. From reducing plastic waste to conserving energy, these South Florida hotels and restaurants are stepping up their sustainability game with various eco-friendly initiatives.
Green Stays
Sustainability is woven into every detail at The Elser Hotel, a 49-story luxury tower in Downtown Miami. Each of the 646 residential-style guest rooms features fully equipped kitchens with energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and WaterSense-certified toilets that help conserve water. The hotel also provides bamboo toothbrushes and refillable PATH water bottles, and guests can enjoy reef-friendly Supergoop sunscreen poolside. The Elser’s commitment to green living also extends to its food and beverage program, where biodegradable packaging and composting of organic waste is standard. Want to be a part of the change? The Elser is hosting a community Earth Day cleanup on Tuesday, April 22, at Pace Picnic Island in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
The Gabriel South Beach is a zero single-use plastic property, exceeding Miami Beach’s compliance requirements. The hotel has replaced in-room paper products with bamboo “do not disturb” signs and stylish reusable PATH water bottles. The property also incorporates energy-efficient windows and thermostats, making a conscious effort toward energy conservation. The hotel’s partnership with Candledales ensures that for every Gabriel-branded coconut-based candle or diffuser sold, a tree is planted through One Tree Planted, supporting global reforestation.
A proud Tier 2 member of Miami-Dade’s Plastic-Free 305 program, The Gates Hotel South Beach is leading the way in reducing plastic waste. The hotel has removed all single-use plastics and partnered with Drop Water to introduce the innovative Drop Mini dispenser. Guests can enjoy chilled, filtered water in 100% compostable Drop Cartons or refillable containers, eliminating the need for disposable bottles. The Gates Hotel also incorporates energy-efficient lighting and waste-reduction practices to support sustainability efforts.
As Miami Beach’s first LEED-certified hotel, Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club has long been a leader in sustainability. The hotel’s green initiatives include energy-efficient light bulbs, smart thermostats, and recycled-content key cards. Its participation in Clean the World helps repurpose hygiene products for communities in need, reducing landfill waste. Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club has also achieved the second highest possible rating—3 Palm—under Florida’s Green Lodging Program, enabling it to host government business. Guests can further engage with the hotel’s green mission through its turtle conservation program and branded bicycles, which promote eco-friendly exploration of Miami Beach.
The Betsy Hotel has integrated sustainability into every aspect of its operations, making it a founding member of Miami Beach’s #PlasticFreeMB campaign. Locally sourced ingredients reduce the emissions associated with food transportation, while eco-friendly room features such as energy-efficient windows, low-flow toilets, and smart thermostats help conserve resources. The hotel also uses natural cleaning products, nontoxic pest control, and a certified green dry-cleaning service. Guests can participate in The Betsy’s Adopt a Beach program, which involves regular beach cleanups as part of its broader Community Matters initiative.
Green Eats
Dining sustainably is another way to celebrate Earth Month, and Miami’s culinary scene is making it easier than ever. Food@Science at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science has removed single-use plastics from its operations, instead focusing on recyclable and compostable alternatives. Seafood lovers will appreciate the restaurant’s commitment to the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch guidelines, ensuring only responsibly sourced ingredients make it to the plate.
Torno Subito Miami, Michelin-starred Chef Massimo Bottura’s first venture in the Magic City, brings a deep commitment to sustainability, food waste reduction, and locally sourced ingredients (like cheese from Capri Organic in Naples and produce from Empower Farms in Homestead). Bottura is a longtime advocate for equitable food systems through his nonprofit Food for Soul, and this ethos is carried forward by Head Chef Bernardo Paladini, who creatively repurposes ingredients in his dishes (for example, turning day-old bread into Pappa al Pomodoro and using Parmesan rinds for added flavor). For Earth Month, Torno Subito is partnering with Illy to donate a portion of its Espresso Martini sales to Food for Soul. But its sustainability efforts go far beyond April. Partnering with Compost for Life, Torno Subito has contributed over 1,000 pounds of produce scraps to be turned into nutrient-rich compost for local farms, while empty wine bottles are donated to Glass for Life to help restore Florida’s beaches.
Casa Sensei, Fort Lauderdale’s award-winning Pan-Asian and Latin-fusion restaurant, offers a unique way to experience eco-conscious dining. Guests can book a private dinner cruise on an electric-powered gondola, gliding through the scenic canals of Las Olas without leaving a carbon footprint. As they take in the views of waterfront mansions and lush tropical landscapes, diners can enjoy sustainably sourced dishes that highlight fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
South Florida's hotels and dining experiences are proving that sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a commitment to a greener, healthier planet. This Earth Month, whether you’re booking a stay or dining out, consider supporting businesses that prioritize staying green while delivering exceptional hospitality.