Living green goes beyond Earth Day, and isn’t limited to recycling and changing light bulbs. Food choices can be green as well. But don’t think it’s all about tofu and rabbit food. Here are four area restaurants with solid green credentials everyone can enjoy.
Bread and Brew: 1247 20th St. NW; 202-466-2676; breadandbrew.com — The Green Restaurant Association (dinegreen.com) has certified Bread and Brew in D.C. as environmentally friendly for its biodegradable items and recycling practices. Great beer and coffee lead the way, and there’s a solid menu of sandwiches, salads and entrees.
Founding Farmers: 1924 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; 202-822-8783; wearefoundingfarmers.com — This is another restaurant certified by the Green Restaurant Association, for its energy efficiency and recycling, among other reasons. Last year, the U.S. Green Building Council distinguished Founding Farmers with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification. Enjoy sandwiches, soup, pasta and cocktails knowing the building is as green as they come.
Hook: 3241 M St. NW; 202-625-4488; hookdc.com — The stated mission of this Georgetown-based seafood restaurant is sustainability. In 2008, Bon Appetit named Hook a Top-10 eco-friendly restaurant; and Seafood Choices Alliance acknowledged Hook a “Seafood Champion.” As the restaurant’s Web site says, “The two things than link every human on the planet are food and environment and we cannot live without either.”
Punk’s Backyard Grill: 2188 Annapolis Mall, Annapolis; 410-571-7744; punksbackyardgrill — In September 2009, the Maryland Green Registry gave this fast casual restaurant green certification. According to the state’s Web site, the registry “is a voluntary, self-certification program offering tips and resources to help organizations set and meet their own goals on the path to sustainability.” Punk’s is the first restaurant in the state to have received this designation because of it’s energy use, waste control and the use of responsible products and ingredients.
–Robert Fulton
