Green City Guide: Washington, D.C.

Our nation's capital has much to offer, with museums, architecture, and restaurants galore. To make your stay there green, we've compiled a list of green hotels, cutting-edge restaurants, and eco-smart transportation options -- from the city's efficient public transit system to human-powered choices. You can also learn more about D.C.'s green moves and news in TreeHugger's Washington, D.C. archives.

1. Grab Cheap Organic Food at Java Green and Sticky Fingers Bakery
   To answer the question "Where can I eat green for cheap?" Look no further than Java Green, an organic eco-café with an all vegetarian and mostly vegan menu. Founded in 2003, the café purchases wind power to offset its carbon footprint, brews only fair-trade coffee and tea, and provides biodegradable flatware and bags (made from corn, sugar cane?fiber, and potato starch) for take-out. Java Green is located at 1020 19th Street Northwest. Another option is Sticky Fingers Bakery, at 1370 Park Road, with its delicious vegan sweets and lunch items for take-away or eat-in.


2. Discover Crispy Organic Chicken and Sustainable Design at Chix Restaurant
   
   For moderately priced green fare, check out Chix. You guessed it, the chicken is the star of this low-key joint in the hip U Street neighborhood, and it comes marinated in Latin spices and roasted to prime succulence. The chicken and half of the other ingredients selected by the chef are organic and come with plates and cutlery made of biodegradable materials. We also love that much of the restaurant, painted a bright spring green, is built from sustainable materials including bamboo (countertops) and cork (flooring). Chix is located at 2019 11 Street Northwest at U Street.


3. Sample Eco Fine Dining at Restaurants Hook or Equinox
   
   To impress a client, or treat yourself to a more upscale meal, try Hook, where Chef Barton Seaver is pioneering new dishes with sustainable seafood. His Italian-influenced Georgetown restaurant has won him many accolades from gourmands and conservationists alike. Hook is located at 3241 M Street Northwest at Potomac Street.
   
   
   
   Equinox offers fine dining with an emphasis on local, seasonal, mid-Atlantic fare. It's head up by a husband-and-wife team who use organic ingredients whenever possible. Find Equinox at 818 Connecticut Ave Northwest at I Street.


4. Ride the Metro or Take the Bus
   
   What's the best way to get around Washington, D.C. while minimizing your environmental footprint? D.C.'s Metro -- $4.50 during peak hours and $2.35 for off-peak -- is one of the cleanest, safest urban rail systems in the country. The bus is another option; Check the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to find out how to get around the city using a bus and/or rail.


5. Book Bike Washington, a Recreational Bicycling Guide Company
   
   As in any city, biking is the most eco-friendly mode of transport possible. Washington is very bike-friendly city with lots of paths. Bike Washington, a recreational bicycling guide to the Washington, D.C. area, has more details.


6. Stay at a Green Hotel in the Kimpton Chain
   
   The Kimpton Hotels chain has several moderate and high-end properties in the D.C. area, including Topaz Hotel, located in the chic Dupont Circle neighborhood, and Hotel Helix, a boutique hotel located downtown, just a few blocks from a fantastic Whole Foods in Logan Circle, one of D.C.'s hippest up-and-coming neighborhoods.
   
   
   
   Each Kimpton hotel operates under the impressive EarthCare program, which includes:
   
   
   
   
   • Green Cleaning Supplies: All rooms cleaned with environmentally friendly cleaning products.
   
   
   • Recycled Paper: Property-wide printing on recycled paper.
   
   
   • Organic Beverages: All complimentary lobby coffee is organic, shade grown and/or fair trade.
   
   
   • Towel/Linen Reuse: Guests have the opportunity to do their part to reduce energy and detergents required for daily washings.
   
   
   • Recycling: Back-of-house recycling programs addressing glass, bottles, paper, cardboard, etc.
   
   
   • Energy Conservation: Back-of-house lighting has been retrofitted and audited to ensure energy efficient bulbs are in place.
   
   
   


7. Stay at Green Hotels Residence Inn Capitol by Marriott or the Willard InterContinental Washington
   
   It's nice to see other hotels here are taking their footprint into account. For a moderately priced destination, consider the Residence Inn Capitol by Marriott, which allows guests to green their stay by purchasing renewable energy for the room. The hotel recently teamed with Clean Currents, a Maryland organization devoted to helping businesses combat global warming. Through the program, the hotel purchases 50 percent renewable energy for its electricity needs. For a small fee, guests can pay the remaining 50 percent required to make their stay wholly dependent on renewable energy. The hotel is located at 333 East Street Southwest.
   
   
   
   For a high-end green stay, try the Willard InterContinental Washington. Just steps from the White House, this grand luxury hotel has replaced regular light bulbs with CFLs, which use significantly less energy and last for years. Guests also have the option to reuse toiletries and linens. The hotel is located at 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest.


8. Visit the National Building Museum or Indulge at a Green Spa
   
   Got some downtime? Washington, D.C. is famous for its world-class museums. The National Building Museum is housed in a gorgeous 1887 building, and frequently has exhibitions on sustainability issues.
   
   
   
   Or, indulge in some eco pampering at Nusta Spa, the first and only LEED-certified spa in the United States. Founder Elizabeth Snowdon's environmentally conscious relaxation program extends beyond products and services to air quality and lighting.


9. Catch the Washington Nationals at their LEED-certified Baseball Stadium
   
   If baseball is your thing, watch the game at the newly opened, LEED-certified Washington Nationals baseball stadium, accessible via public transport. It has energy-saving light fixtures, water-conserving plumbing, drought-resistant plants, and a green roof over the concessions area.


10. Stroll the United States Botanic Garden
    
    D.C.'s natural beauty is also worth exploring. Something is always blooming at the United States Botanic Garden http://www.usbg.gov/on the Mall. Or, rent a canoe or kayak or sign up for rowing lessons on the Potomac River at the Thompson Boat Center.
    

Like this? Check out more of Planet Green's Green City Guides.