For the past few years, I have become more conscious of the environmental cost of travel. Initially, I focused on my travel to other locations rather than considering the sustainable options available in my own area, Arlington County in Northern Virginia. I now focus more on local travel and key destinations that I can reach by train and then try to combine train and bicycle as my primary modes of transportation. Yesterday, during a webinar with leaders of our county's Climate Policy Office, I was happily surprised to learn, among other things, that there were local efforts to align business-related, income-generating activities like tourism with a more environmentally conscious approach to tourism. In the future, when I plan trips to destinations further away than my immediate neighborhood, I will seek out information similar to what Arlington County is providing
Here are a few resources:
- Arlington Convention and Visitors Services (ACVS) promotes Arlington as a dynamic destination to stimulate economic growth.
- Green Dining Arlington, an initiative of EcoAction Arlington to
implement green dining practices, which can be much more than just
reducing the use of plastics.
- Biophilic Arlington -- Cool site!
- GetGreen App. This is the latest effort, just launched very recently in
collaboration with EcoAction Arlington.
When you live here, there are lots of opportunities to
support eco-friendly economic development and engage in volunteer work and
advocacy activities. I help mostly with cleanup activities around streams and
parks and with the Energy
Masters program which supports energy efficiency improvements for low
income housing and their residents. When you visit, make sure to look up
potential activities such as nature walks or even the Green Community Tour if
you happen to be here in early June. My little permaculture-inspired backyard
was part of the tour one year.
Of course, if you come to Arlington, you should explore the broader area, which
could mean the Washington Metropolitan Area (DMV) and beyond.
Exploring Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Travel in the DMV
The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area (DMV), encompassing
D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia, is rich in history, culture, and natural
beauty. As travelers become more conscious of their environmental impact,
eco-tourism and sustainable travel have gained momentum in the region. From
green-certified hotels to nature-focused experiences, the DMV offers numerous
opportunities for responsible exploration.
Green Spaces and Nature Reserves
For nature lovers, the region is home to an array of parks
and preserves committed to conservation. Great Falls Park in Virginia
offers breathtaking views of the Potomac River while emphasizing environmental
preservation. If you’re up for a nice
bike ride, you can reach some great views by following the trail in the Chesapeake
& Ohio Canal National Historical Park, stretching from Georgetown into
Maryland. On the other side of Washington, D.C., Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens provides
a serene escape with water lilies and lotus blossoms, all within an urban
setting.
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| Credit: Barbara Fillip, date unknown, probably 2010s. Taken at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. |
Sustainable Accommodations
Eco-conscious travelers can find sustainable lodging options
in the DMV. Many hotels in D.C. and Arlington participate in green
certification programs like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design) and EarthCheck.
Eco-Friendly Activities
For those interested in sustainable urban exploration,
Capital Bikeshare offers a green way to navigate the city. Farmers’ markets,
such as the Arlington Farmers Markets and Eastern Market in D.C., promote local
food systems and reduce carbon footprints. You might even catch a tour of the Area 2 Farms, where my salad, microgreens and herbs are grown, vertically. Additionally, guided eco-tours of
the Anacostia River highlight conservation efforts and the importance of
protecting local waterways.
Supporting Local and Sustainable Businesses
Dining sustainably is easy in the DMV, with many restaurants
sourcing ingredients from local farms. Busboys and Poets, a community-driven
eatery, prioritizes sustainability with plant-based menu options and fair-trade
coffee. True Food Kitchen in Arlington offers health-conscious, environmentally
friendly dishes that align with sustainable agriculture principles.
How to Travel Responsibly
To reduce environmental impact while exploring, opt for
public transit, bike rentals, or walking tours. Support businesses that
prioritize sustainability, and when visiting natural areas, adhere to Leave No
Trace principles by minimizing waste and respecting wildlife.
By choosing eco-friendly travel options, residents and
visitors alike can enjoy the beauty of the DMV while preserving it for future
generations. What are your favorite sustainable spots in the region? Share them
in the comments!
More Resources @ Virginia Green Travel
The next Sustainability in Tourism Conference is in
Williamsburg, March 20-21, 2025, and will feature discussions on responsible
travel, eco-friendly business practices, and sustainable hospitality. It’s an
excellent opportunity for networking and learning about innovative approaches
to sustainability in the tourism industry. I can reach the conference location
with a train to Richmond and a bike ride on the Virginia Capital Trail. That
would be a great way to get there. I've got some planning to do!
