Discovering Sustainability Features at New York LaGuardia Airport

[TusharSuradkar]

In June 2025, I visited New York. This was my 7th visit to the Big Apple, though previously, I wasn’t aware of sustainability.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts by the pioneers @Kumaarsantosh and Dr. @SharmaKK, this tag was added to Connect.

Since then, I can notice the sustainability features easily.

The top feature was saving plastic water bottles using the bottle refilling machine.
This was free and could be accessed at all restrooms at the airport.

That’s a powerful number on the counter!
It’s inspiring to see how each of us, one bottle at a time, can make a meaningful impact toward sustainability.

I also noticed a vending machine for food had trays made of recyclable and eco-friendly cardboard. The machine also had a dispensing section where the used tray could be disposed of.

Pet Relief Area was probably an example of inclusivity.
Many travelers with disabilities carry service dogs, and they need care and attention, too.

The LaGuardia Airport seems to be walking that extra mile to ensure a smooth and comfortable travel for these passengers.

Trash cans like these were placed everywhere.
These had separate compartments for various types of waste, and each was neatly labeled and illustrated with sample pictures, making it easy to dispose of the trash.

This post is also in response to the Celebrate International Plastic Free Day, by @Rahul001

[mrinmoiHossain]

That’s a great initiative. I haven’t seen or heard of a similar feature before.

[curatorofmemory]

@TusharSuradkar . Nice and informative share

[ShreyaMusings]

Woww that’s an impressive initiative @TusharSuradkar

[TusharSuradkar]

Thank you for the generous appreciation @mrinmoiHossain @curatorofmemory @ShreyaMusings

[fachrie230]

That so inspiring post @TusharSuradkar, bottle refill counter is genius way.
Thanks for sharing

[MerlinThomas]

@TusharSuradkar I’m hearing about the Pet Relief Area for the first time. Thank you for sharing this valuable information.

[SharmaKK]

This is a truly insightful post, @TusharSuradkar! Thank you for highlighting how a busy international airport like LaGuardia is integrating sustainability and accessibility into its core design and operations. From bottle refill stations to eco-friendly vending machines and clearly labeled waste segregation bins, each feature directly contributes to several SDGs:

SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation (bottle refilling stations)
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (recyclable trays and labeled bins)
SDG 13 – Climate Action (plastic waste reduction)
SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities (Pet Relief Area for travelers with service animals)

It’s inspiring to see how infrastructure and sustainability can go hand in hand. Thanks to pioneer @Kumaarsantosh who have advocated for the sustainability tag, we can now collectively share and celebrate such responsible initiatives across the globe.

[Kumaarsantosh]

Nicely narrated post on sustainability.

@TusharSuradkar

These had separate compartments for various types of waste, and each was neatly labeled and illustrated with sample pictures, making it easy to dispose of the trash.

I personally liked the cleanliness and organized way of keeping and using these trash cans.

Thanks @TusharSuradkar for highlighting these implemented practices observed by you. This is what as a true Local Guides we should do for the community.

[Kumaarsantosh]

@SharmaKK

Thanks to pioneer @Kumaarsantosh who have advocated for the sustainability tag, we can now collectively share and celebrate such responsible initiatives across the globe.

Thank you for acknowledging dear @SharmaKK. Yes, you are absolutely right and I requested for this inclusion early this year and thanks to the Local Guides team at Google who made it live.