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Why Cuenca is a great place to live sustainably
Cuenca’s mild mountain climate, compact historic center and strong community culture make it one of South America’s friendliest cities for sustainable living. At about 2,500–2,600 meters above sea level, temperatures are stable year‑round, which means less demand for heating or cooling and more opportunities for growing food in small spaces. Add walkable neighborhoods along the Tomebamba River, a modern tram line, and numerous community initiatives — and you have a city where small, everyday choices can have a real environmental impact.
Set up a low‑waste household
Reducing household waste is a foundational green habit and one of the easiest places expats can start. A few practical changes make a big difference:
- Bring reusable bags and produce sacks to municipal markets and tiendas. Cuenca’s mercados are full of loose produce—perfect for avoiding single‑use plastic.
- Swap disposables for durable alternatives: metal straws, cloth napkins, glass storage jars, and a good water bottle. These are widely available in shops in the historic center and via local online groups.
- When you must buy packaged goods, favor refillable or bulk stores when you can—many small cooperatives and natural food shops offer bulk staples and personal-care refills.
Practical tips for kitchens
Cook at home more often using seasonal produce from the mercados. Keep a compost bin under the counter for vegetable scraps and egg shells; they’re compostable in Cuenca’s temperate climate and break down quickly. If apartment living prevents outdoor composting, consider bokashi or worm (vermi) composting systems which work well indoors.
Composting, recycling and local waste systems
Cuenca’s municipal waste services and grassroots recycling programs provide options for different types of waste, but the system works best when residents sort materials at home.
Recycling basics
- Separate organic waste from recyclables and general trash. Many neighborhoods have collection days or local points where recyclables are gathered by community groups.
- Glass, cardboard and rigid plastics are commonly recyclable—clean and dry them before setting out. Look for neighborhood recycling hubs or small private collectors who pay for sorted materials.
- Electronics and batteries require special handling—ask municipal offices or community centers about scheduled collection events to avoid contaminating regular bins.
Composting near the city
If you live in a house with a yard, dig a simple compost pile or use a tumbler. For apartment dwellers, vermicomposting and bokashi systems are compact, low‑odor, and effective. You can use finished compost to enrich potted plants, community garden plots, or share with neighbors at the local mercado.
Eat local, seasonal and plant‑forward
Eating with the seasons reduces your carbon footprint and connects you to Cuenca’s vibrant food culture. The city’s mercados and neighborhood ferias are packed with fresh, locally grown produce—tomatoes, avocados, cilantro, indigenous varieties of potatoes and leafy greens are common finds.
Where to shop and what to look for
- Shop early at local mercados to find the best selection of minimally packaged produce and to support small farmers.
- Look for stalls selling organic or pesticide‑free produce (many vendors now label their goods). Small organic cooperatives and community-supported agriculture (CSA) initiatives operate on a modest scale—ask around or check local community boards and expat groups for leads.
- Consider reducing meat consumption and exploring the many vegetarian and vegan cafés around the historic center and near the Tomebamba River—plant‑forward dishes often use fresh local ingredients.
Getting around: low‑carbon transport options
Cuenca’s compact layout makes walking one of the most efficient and eco‑friendly ways to get around—especially in the Centro Histórico and along the riverside promenades. For trips that are too long on foot, the city’s public transit and cycling infrastructure offer greener options than private cars.
Public transport and tram
The Tranvía (tram) and municipal buses cover large parts of the city and are affordable. Using public transit reduces emissions and parking headaches—get a transit card and learn the routes you use most often. For last‑mile trips, shared taxis and motos are plentiful; when possible, choose electric options or motorcycle taxis that consolidate riders.
Biking and walking
Cuenca is becoming more bike‑friendly. Use a sturdy commuter bike and plan routes along quieter streets and river paths. Many expats find that living near the historic center or along the Tomebamba saves vehicle trips and increases day‑to‑day walking.
Energy and water: small changes, big savings
Energy conservation is both eco‑smart and wallet‑friendly. In Cuenca, low‑energy habits are easy to adopt because of the mild climate.
Lowering energy use
- Switch to LED bulbs and efficient appliances. Even older buildings benefit from LED lighting and efficient refrigerators.
- Dry clothes on a line or balcony—sun and wind do the job faster and cheaper than an electric dryer. Clotheslines are common across the city.
- Consider rooftop solar if you own property. Solar panels are increasingly popular and, depending on your roof and budget, can significantly reduce electricity bills.
Water: safe, mindful use
Cuenca’s municipal water supply is treated and many residents use it for cooking, washing and bathing. However, some expats prefer additional filtration for drinking water. Regardless of your water source, conserving water is important: install low‑flow fixtures, fix leaks promptly, and collect leftover cooking water to reuse for plants.
Green housing: choosing a neighborhood and making eco upgrades
When house hunting, consider walkability, access to public transport and sunlight exposure if you plan to grow plants or install solar panels.
Neighborhood tips
- Historic Center and areas along the Tomebamba River offer walkable access to markets, cafes and services—ideal for reducing car use.
- Neighborhoods near parks and community spaces are good for families and those wanting community gardens or green spaces nearby.
- If quiet and small yards are a priority, look slightly outside the center where lots tend to be larger and many properties grow fruit trees or vegetables.
Simple eco upgrades for rentals
Many eco‑friendly changes don’t require ownership. Ask landlords if you can install low‑flow showerheads, add weatherstripping to doors and windows, or hang solar screens to reduce heat gain. Portable solar chargers and efficient induction cooktops are also renter‑friendly ways to cut energy use.
Connect with the local green community
One of the best ways to make sustainable living stick is to plug into local groups. Cuenca has a lively network of environmental NGOs, neighborhood associations and expat groups working on conservation, recycling, and urban gardening.
How to get involved
- Join local Facebook groups or Meetup communities focused on sustainability, gardening or volunteer projects. Many expats use these platforms to share tips, events and swap goods.
- Attend community cleanups along the rivers and parks. These are great ways to meet neighbors and learn about municipal waste programs.
- Volunteer with educational programs that teach composting or recycling to schools—you’ll meet Ecuadorian families and practice Spanish while supporting local efforts.
Language and culture: learning Spanish to deepen your impact
Investing time in Spanish pays off in the environmental realm as much as anywhere. Knowing the language helps you negotiate with market vendors, coordinate with neighborhood recycling groups, understand municipal notices about collection schedules, and participate in community workshops. Even basic conversational Spanish opens doors to community gardens, repair workshops and local knowledge that isn’t always posted online.
A practical 30‑, 90‑ and 365‑day plan
Change is easier when you break it down. Here’s a simple timeline to green your life in Cuenca.
- 30 days: Buy reusable bags and a water bottle, start sorting recyclables, and try two plastic‑free market trips per week. Learn the tram route closest to your home.
- 90 days: Set up a compost system (vermi or bokashi if apartment), switch all bulbs to LED, join a local community group and try a meat‑free week once a month using market produce.
- 365 days: Evaluate energy use and consider solar options, build relationships with local farmers or join a CSA, and lead or co‑organize a neighborhood cleanup or swap event.
Realistic expectations and cultural sensitivity
Living green in Cuenca is not about perfection. The city blends modern services with traditional practices, and municipal systems sometimes run differently than in North America or Europe. Approach changes with curiosity and patience—ask neighbors about how they compost, where they take recyclables, or which mercados are best for bulk purchases. Small, consistent actions—done with respect for local norms—tend to have the most lasting impact.
Final thoughts: small steps, strong community
For expats, Cuenca offers an excellent laboratory for sustainable living: walkable streets, lively markets, friendly neighbors, and a climate that supports year‑round gardening. Start with practical, inexpensive changes—less waste, smarter shopping, cleaner transit choices—and layer in bigger commitments such as rooftop solar or home composting as you settle in. Most importantly, connect with local residents and expat networks; community relationships not only make green living easier, they make life in Cuenca richer.
Ready to start? Take a short walk to your nearest mercado, say hello to a vendor, and bring a cloth bag. That single habit can set you on a path to a much greener life in this beautiful Andean city.
Adam Elliot Altholtz serves as the Administrator & Patient Coordinator of the “Smilehealth Ecuador Dental Clinic“, along with his fellow Expats’ beloved ‘Dr. No Pain‘, right here in Cuenca, Ecuador, and for purposes of discussing all your Dental needs and questions, is available virtually 24/7 on all 365 days of the year, including holidays. Adam proudly responds to ALL Expat patients from at least 7:00am to 9:00pm Ecuador time, again every single day of the year (and once more even on holidays), when you write to him by email at info@smilehealthecuador.com and also by inquiry submitted on the Dental Clinic’s fully detailed website of www.smilehealthecuador.com for you to visit any time, by day or night. Plus, you can reach Adam directly by WhatsApp at +593 98 392 9606 -or by his US phone number of 1‐(941)‐227‐0114, and the Dental Clinic’s Ecuador phone number for local Expats residing in Cuenca is 07‐410‐8745. ALWAYS, you will receive your full Dental Service in English (NEVER in Spanish), per you as an Expat either living in or desiring to visit Cuenca by your Dental Vacation, plus also to enjoy all of Ecuador’s wonders that are just waiting for you to come arouse and delight your senses.