Green DC Hotspots

If you are a reader who lives in Washington, DC like the GreenPieceBlog does, then you'll be happy to know that Gridskipper.com has gone to the trouble of pinpointing several of DC's greenest stores, restaurants, etc.

You can check out their whole blog entry HERE.

Or you can just check out the list below, along with some of my own recommendations:

• YES! Organic Market: These little stores are spread out all over town. They offer a pretty great array of organic vegetables and fruits. Don't miss the organic beer and organic ice cream offerings as well.
• Green Pets: This store has decided to become a one-stop shop for all pet supplies green. One of the best things you can do for the environment is buy biodegradable poop bags for your dogs. Leaving poop on the ground leads to nutrient loading of waterways that kills water life. Using regular plastic bags means your dog's poop will be permanently enshrined in our dumps.
• Eastern Market: This Capitol Hill flea market is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Everyone should try to buy their vegetables locally because it encourages smaller farms and prevents the carbon emissions from shipping products long distances. Look for many organic choices at Eastern Market too. As if that wasn't enough, you can find lots of other people's stuff to reuse in your home.
  
• Whole Foods: Of course, Whole Foods is a chain that is scattered all over the country. You can feel comfortable shopping at Whole Foods because they power their stores with 100% renewable energy. There are so many great food choices at Whole Foods, too. Don't forget to bring your cloth bag for a discount at the check-out line.
  
• Java Green: I've never actually been to Java Green, but according to Gridskipper, its a great place for vegans and vegetarians alike. The coffee shop also runs on wind power and offers a line-up of organic & free-trade coffees.
  
• Sticky Fingers Bakery: Another place I've never ventured. In addition to healthier, low-fat food options, this bakery makes an attempt to integrate vegan values into their offerings.
  
• Hoopla Traders: This Adams-Morgan shop on 18th features all sorts of home decor, jewelry and accessories. Many of the products are made from renewable materials and are certifiably green. They supply make-up and soaps that are organic too. The staff is friendly and there is a cool back room full of hand made eco-centric furniture.
  
• Eco-Green Living: There is another good store on the U Street Corridor at Church Street. They have more practical products like transparent window tape to block cold/hot temps from outside. I purchased biodegradable garbage bags here once too. If you are really looking to improve your home's energy efficiency, they have everything you need, even solar panels.