Did you know that the Royal York Hotel has a secret, chefs only herb garden fourteen or so storeys above the din of Bay Street? I didn't until yesterday. One of the city's overlooked but very worthwhile organizations is the Green Tourism Association.

Leanne Minichillo, the media relations co-ordinator for the GTA (is that an in joke among the city's treehugging community ;) ) brought us to the Royal York during an afternoon tour of some of the city's eco-friendly spots -- including those on rooftops. Another is the 10,000 square foot garden found at Mountain Equipment Co-Op on King Street West.

Interested in exploring Toronto's hidden eco spaces? Toronto's Green Tourism Association can take you to them.

On other green friendly news, a new car sharing company -- ZipCar -- is changing the way Torontonians drive:

As the largest car sharing company in the nation, we have learned through extensive research, about the significant, positive environmental impact of sharing a car. There are three major effects:

Members shed cars. Over 40% of our members decide against purchasing a car, or end up selling their car.

They drive less. Car usage of individuals is reduced by as much as 50%.

They use other transportation. Members use the most efficient means of transportation for the task—walking, biking, public transportation, taxi, or Zipcar.

With each Zipcar replacing over 20 privately owned vehicles, we're changing the urban landscape.

Older cars are replaced with new ones that have more stringent pollution controls.

Green space is preserved as fewer parking spaces are required to meet the driving needs of the same number of people.

Less strain on urban parking infrastructure—saving businesses, governments, and universities money.

Lower fuel consumption means fewer greenhouse gas emissions and particulates.

And yes, less congestion on the roadways.