Celebrate the earth by shopping or dining at the shops below in Washington, D.C.
Typically, yellow and blue make green, but in Washington, D.C., red and blue unite for green, too.
Washington, D.C. is alive with green businesses, from markets and restaurants with locally grown produce to stores with vegan pet food or energy-saving electronics. If you think the nation’s capital is only full of hot air, you might be surprised at the following down-to-earth, environmentally friendly places located throughout the city.
The Green Festival
What: Global Exchange and Green America (formerly Co-Op America) will join together Oct. 23-24 for the Green Festival, a sustainable living festival and celebration of green initiatives in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. The event will feature more than 125 speakers, 350 green businesses, how-to workshops, green films, a Fair Trade pavilion, yoga classes, organic beer, organic cuisine and live music.
Where: Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW, Washington, DC 20001
Greater Goods
What: This green-living store only sells products that help you live a greener life, such as energy-saving electronics, solar phone chargers, composters and recycling bins, or products that provide an eco-friendly alternative for things you use every day, such as low-flow shower heads, rechargeable batteries and chlorine-free diapers. Greater Goods mostly carries products that are certified organic, FSC-certified, non-toxic, BPA-, lead- and phthalate-free and are reusable or recyclable.
Where: 1626 U St. NW, Washington, DC 20009
Green Pets
What: If your pet has a sensitive stomach, you can find raw, natural, organic or wheat- and corn-free foods at Green Pets. The store also has high-quality cat trees, Greenies, toys, natural cat litter and treats and offers grooming and other services. Plus, the staff is knowledgeable and helpful, and the owner is involved with a local Humane Society animal shelter.
Where: 1722 14th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009
Soul Vegetarian Restaurant and Exodus Carry-Out
What: For vegan soul food that won’t break the bank, Soul Vegetarian Restaurant is the place to go. It also offers Chinese, Mexican, Italian, Middle Eastern and African American vegan cuisine, as well as a dose of humanitarianism and humility. Favorites include the macaroni and cheese, wheat loaf, greens and sweet potatoes.
Where: 2606 Georgia Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001
Java Green
What: Feast on organic, vegetarian Korean cuisine and vegan desserts on real china at Java Green, which provides biodegradable serving ware and carry-out bags made from corn, sugar cane fiber and potato starch. Java Green serves Fair Trade coffee, tea, sugar, bananas, cocoa powder and syrups, and is run on wind power to offset its carbon footprint.
Where: 1020 19th St. NW, Washington, DC 20036
Mom’s Organic Market
What: So this organic market isn’t actually in D.C.; it’s in Alexandria, Va. (and four Maryland locations), but it’s worth the drive. Mom’s Organic Market carries organic and local produce, raw and vegan treats, multiple flavors of vegan jerky, and natural toiletries, vitamins, pet food, cleaning products and beauty products. Purchase grains, rice, beans, granola and spices in bulk, and sip on organic, fair-trade, free coffee while you shop. Plus, these stores are operated on 100 percent wind-generated power.
Where: 3831 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22305
Photo Credit: iStockphoto/mariusFM77
