Top Sustainable Companies
in Washington DC
Washington, DC, or “the District” as it’s commonly known, is the heart of the American federal government. It’s also a bustling metropolis that lives at the heart of American sustainable development policies.
Although this is not a “State”, there are so many Top Sustainable Companies in Washington, DC to mention and praise. Global and local, we hope you enjoy this mix of amazing sustainable companies based in Washington, DC.
There are many more sustainable companies that we may have missed, so if you believe you should be in the Top Sustainable Companies in Washington DC, feel free to contact us and we will evaluate your sustainable initiative. We did not receive any funding or incentives to feature these companies. Our goal is to create awareness on sustainable development and encourage others to participate. Companies listed in this article are also welcome to add our eco-badge to their website, located at the bottom of this article.
Top Sustainable Companies in Washington DC
CleanChoice Energy
CleanChoice Energy aims to supply 100% renewable energy to everyone. With CleanChoice Energy you don’t need to install solar panels. Or even own your home, apartment, or business space to reduce your impact on the environment.
Their only request is that you make the switch. Afterwards, their team makes sure all the energy you use comes from 100% clean wind and solar power in your region. There are no home visits, upfront costs, complicated installations, or interruptions in your current energy service provider.
At the moment, most homes use power that likely comes from a mix of non-renewable sources. Including coal, oil, and natural gas from fracking, which pollute the environment and contribute to climate change.
CleanChoice chooses to source power from facilities that expand the renewable energy industry. Their vision is to create a world with pure, clean air and abundant renewable energy.
Compost Cab
Compost Cab is a Washington, D.C.-based service that picks up urban food waste and delivers it to local farms for composting. From group houses to government offices to high-end restaurants, all are welcome to give up their brown gold.
Compost Cab makes it easy for people to well, compost! Ultimately making it easier for urban agriculture to thrive. They are right at the intersection of the local food movement and the global food waste reduction movement.
Of course, composting, both private and commercial, is not a new idea. But what differentiates Cab Compost is that they focus specifically on aiding urban agriculture. Instead of seeing it as a healthier way to dispose of trash, their team wants their compost to do more. Including food production, education, jobs and creating social benefits in communities.
Compost Cab measures their success based not only on their own growth but on the growth of urban agriculture in the city.
The Compost Cab process is simple. Customers sign up online, and their team fits them into an efficient weekly route. Compost Cab delivers an airtight bin, a rubber band, and a corn-based compostable liner, along with a guide to urban composting. Residential customers, abide by the rule “if it grows, it goes,” except for meat, dairy, and oil.
Compost Cab then picks up the waste once a week and delivers it to partnering not-for-profit farms. The fertilizer is free for the farms. Compost Cab takes food waste from those who can afford the service and uses it to grow food in neighborhoods that lack access to fresh produce. Currently, these farms include Eco City Farm in Edmonston, Md.; Common Good City Farm in the LeDroit Park neighborhood; and the farm at Walker Jones, a D.C. public school.
World Resources Institute
The World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global research organization that solves complex environmental problems. It was a no-brainer to include them in our Top Sustainable Companies in Washington DC. Their research spans in more than 50 countries, with offices in the United States, China, India, Brazil, Indonesia and more.
More than 700 experts and staff work with leaders to turn big ideas into action to sustain our natural resources. Their work focuses on six critical issues at the intersection of sustainable development; including climate, energy, food, forests, water, and cities and transport.
First, they start with collecting data and conducting independent research. These identify risks, unveil opportunities, and shape smart strategies.
The data is then used to influence government policies, business strategies and societies. Working with partners, this is where change starts to shape in the fields.
The last step is to work with partners to adopt and expand their efforts regionally and globally. They engage with decision-makers to carry out their ideas and elevate their impact.
Have a look at some of our favourite WRI blog posts:
- Climate Change Solutions: Bringing Forests to Center Stage
- A Global Greening: Green Building Certification Program Make Gains
Food Integrity Campaign
Government Accountability Project (GAP)
It takes a community – whistleblowers, truth-tellers and advocates – to safeguard the food industry. The Government Accountability Project, through its Food Integrity Campaign, supports that community.
It is clear that agriculture contributes to climate change. This program has made our list of the Top Sustainable Companies in Washington, DC as we find it crucial to resolving climate change issues. With this program, farmers, foodies, food markets and more have the opportunity to address their concerns on:
- Food Safety
- Animal Welfare
- Environmental Health
- Worker Rights
- Transparency
With globalization, many North Americans have become disconnected from the source of food. It isn’t possible for each and every one of us to track the integrity of the entire food system. This is why FIC strives to keep the food system honest. They are a society that monitors the health and welfare of animals. Even more, they strive to protect the environment, to treat food workers with respect, and to keep the food we eat safe.
Do you have important facts to tell FIC? Click here to Blow the Whistle!
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) is an alliance of grassroots organizations. This coalition advocates for federal policy reform to advance the sustainability of agriculture. Including food systems, natural resources, and rural communities.
NSAC’s vision of agriculture is one where a safe, nutritious, ample, and affordable food supply is produced by a legion of family farmers. One where farmers make a more than fair living with their trade while protecting the environment.
NSAC member groups advance common positions for:
- Conservation Funding for Farmers and Ranchers
- Food Safety Training for Produce Farmers
- Investing in Farmer-Entrepreneurs Through Value-Added Projects
- Sustainable, Farmer-Led Research Innovation that Benefits Everyone
- Supporting Farmers of Color and Military Veterans Entering Agriculture
By consulting grassroots, sustainable and organic farmers can voice their perspectives. In other words, NSAC gathers input from farmers and ranchers and from a diverse group of grassroots. They can then develop policy through committees and build the sustainable agriculture movement.
Love & Carrots
Love & Carrots revives the knowledge of growing food that was once passed from generation to generation. Since 2011, Love & Carrots has worked to spread their knowledge among Washington, DC communities.
They provide help to people who would like to have an organic garden in their yard, porch, patio, eatery, balcony, or rooftop. At Love & Carrots, their hands-on approach gets people excited about eating fresh, healthy food. This also educates residents about why going organic and eating locally are important – creating a ripple effect on urban agriculture. Their goal is to expose as many people as possible to sustainable practices and smart growth.
Love & Carrots raises awareness about sustainability and biodiversity while addressing nutritional education, promoting physical activity, and increasing access to nutritious food. This makes urban environments more conducive to healthy living. Every garden they plant is a small step toward raising food security, reducing carbon footprint, and impacting the District as a whole.
Volt Energy
Volt Energy is a nationwide renewable energy firm that is currently operating in over ten cities across the country. Since 2009, Volt Energy has established itself as one of America’s most innovative companies that finances and develops:
- Solar projects
- Electric-vehicle charging stations
- Energy storage solutions for commercial, government, educational and non-profit institutions.
Next Up: Top 15 Sustainable Initiatives in Maryland
World Wildlife Fund
https://youtu.be/jE-1I5o217A
In our humble opinion, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is an organization that has helped shape the world of sustainability. Formed in 1961 by a group of concerned biologists, WWF is the world’s leading conservation organization, supporting projects focused on saving wildlife species and their habitats. This international fundraising organization works with various groups and brings financial support to global conservation movements.
Notably, their work focuses on 6 ambitious conservation goals: forests, marine, freshwater, wildlife, food and climate. Linking these six areas leverages assets and resources to protect places, species and communities. From field work to local communities, from the halls of government to the global marketplace – their work is seen globally and with almost every sector. One of WWF’s strengths is their ability to engage stakeholders—in business, civil society, and academia. These partnerships devise innovative solutions to the sustainability issues that challenge us today. More than 1.1 million supporters along with WWF’s partners are making a difference in creating a healthy future for our planet.
And it is adamant about making its office space as green as its mission. Its DC headquarters situates in an innovative LEED Platinum-certified building. Even more, the office is equipped with the newest energy-efficient swag to ensure that WWF has a big impact but a small carbon footprint. Employees also get the chance to learn more about the biggest issues facing our world today: At the company’s daily lunch gatherings, they’re treated to anything from short presentations about Amazonian wildlife to informal meetups discussing biodiversity on the Serengeti.
Eco-Artware.com
Eco-Artware.com is a small, woman-owned online Art Eco gift store that started in 1999. They offer all things beautiful, well-made and both environmentally and animal-friendly. Their collection of sustainable products is made from recycled, reworked and natural materials. For example, they have wallets made from 25-year-old British- red and yellow fire hose, baskets woven from recycled South African telephone wire, cuff links made from out-of-use U.S. subway tokens, platters made of reworked DPW aluminum street signs and much more.
Eco-Artware.com provides unique gifts for people searching for sustainable gifts online. From the beginning, they have always offered items made from reused, recyclable and natural materials.
Their artists have the talent to identify and use sustainable materials–these supplies are not always easy to find. For instance, some locate retired aluminum road signs to make into chairs. Obsolete typewriters to give up their keys for cuff links. Old bicycle parts for picture frames. Some artists look out for used or discarded materials such AS 33 rpm records and transform them into innovative bowls and coasters.
As for shipping, their packing peanuts and bubble wrap are reused from boxes they receive. They also ask their community if they have some available. If that doesn’t work, they find some by answering notices on Freecycle.org and their local neighborhood web chatroom. When necessary, they buy only biodegradable packing peanuts and they hope customers will find a little space to store these supplies, too, and use them for their own future shipping.
With the help of our visitors and returning customers, Eco-Artware.com has compiled a Recycling Guide, a growing directory of resources to help find new homes for everything from appliances (in good working order) to wedding dresses. If you know of a good resource, please let them know and they will add it.
Locals Grow Smart
Locals Grow Smart is a DC based vertical farm with a mission of transforming the way produce is grown and distributed. They grow food from the city for the city.
Using abandoned building, Local Grow Smart shapes vertical farms capable of feeding residents. We included them in our selection of the Top Sustainable Companies in Washington, DC as they grow quality and sustainable produce, while doing their part to improve food security, mitigate climate change, and reverse urban blight.
DC Solar United Neighborhoods (DC SUN)
DC Solar United Neighborhoods (DC SUN) works to expand access to solar energy. How? By promoting the benefits of distributed solar energy, organizing group solar installations and strengthening solar policies. As a District resident, you can join a bulk purchase in your neighborhood or check out their resources on how to go solar.
Also, consider joining D.C.’s community of solar supporters to get fair policies so everyone can benefit from solar energy. You can take part in establishing a neighborhood solar co-op.
What is community solar?
Community solar allows renters, homeowners with shaded roofs, tenants of apartment buildings, and others, to receive the benefits of solar energy.
It does so by giving utility rate payers access to virtual net-metering. Virtual net-metering permits anyone to subscribe to a solar installation. Once they have done so, the electricity produced by their part of the solar installation will be credited to their monthly electric bill.
Oceana
Oceans cover 71 percent of the globe, and they are as important to us as they are vast. Our oceans are home to most of the life on our planet and play a central role in the world’s natural systems. Like regulating our climate and absorbing carbon dioxide. They provide livelihoods to countless fishermen and others around the world. They also feed hundreds of millions of people and have the capacity to provide a healthy seafood meal to a billion people, every day.
Oceana works hard to protect our oceans. Fighting against offshore oil & destructive fishing. Fighting for clean energy, sharks & turtles.
They make our oceans more bio diverse and abundant by winning policies in the countries that govern much of the world’s marine life.
Founded in 2001, it is one of the largest international advocacy organization focused on ocean conservation. Their offices around the world win strategic, directed campaigns that achieve measurable outcomes.
Have a look at their Living Blue section, which includes tips and resources such as:
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) 
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a nonprofit, acts as a catalyst to advance energy efficiency policies, programs, technologies, investments, and behaviours.
We personally use them as a reference when it comes to energy efficiency research and writing. ACEE harnesses the full potential of energy efficiency. And this, achieves greater economic prosperity, energy security, and environmental protection.
They carry out their mission by:
1. Conducting in-depth technical and policy analyses
2. Advising policymakers and program managers
3. Working collaboratively with businesses, government officials, public interest groups, and other organizations
4. Convening conferences and workshops, primarily for energy efficiency professionals
5. Assisting and encouraging traditional and new media to cover energy efficiency policy and technology issues
6. Educating consumers and businesses through reports, books, conference proceedings, press activities, and websites
Ipsun Power
Ipsun Power provides solar installation and sustainability consulting services in Washington, DC, Virginia
and Maryland. They believe that everyone has a right to clean air, water, and a sustainable lifestyle.
Their expertise helps commercial, government buildings, public housing, residential, schools and warehouses embark on their solar journey. Have a look at their extensive portfolio, featuring success stories like:
- Residential Ballasted Solar System in Washington DC
- Condominium in Washington gets a solar system on their pergola
- Solar Awning in Washington DC
Potomac River Keeper Network
Potomac Riverkeeper, Inc. was established in 2000, by local environmental groups to advocate for clean water laws for the Potomac River. Riverkeepers are the eyes and ears of the water, protecting the public’s right to clean water in their rivers and streams. Encompassing the skills of scientists, teachers, law officers, fishermen and paddlers, Riverkeepers work to protect the public’s right to clean water and streams.
The work of Potomac Riverkeeper Network spans for the 15,000 square mile watershed, which flows through four states (Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia and into the Chesapeake Bay.
We hope you enjoyed L’Autre Couleur’s Top Sustainable Companies in Washington DC!
L’Autre Couleur is a responsible content marketing & design agency that represents companies making a difference in positive impact & sustainability. We offer end-to-end full service in digital marketing services, ranging from content writing & web design, to social media and campaign management.
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This was the 12th post in the Top Sustainable Companies series; one for every State in the United States. By the end of 2017, you can expect a Top Sustainable Companies article for every State in the United States! To stay updated on the up and coming initiatives, subscribe to our monthly newsletter and follow us on Facebook. Also please comment if we have left out any important sustainable companies in Washington DC that you believe should be part of our list of top sustainable companies, or if you have any thoughts/comments on the article.
Check out some of the sustainable companies happening in your neighbouring country.
- Top Sustainable Companies in Maryland
- Top Sustainable Companies in Pennsylvania
- Top Sustainable Companies in Delaware
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