Sustainable initiatives in Capital Region USA

Capital Region USA boasts major Metro and Amtrak rail network, eliminating the need for car hire. Visitors can also explore all three destinations by water taxi, with stops on the Potomac River in DC, Alexandria, Virginia, and National Harbor, Maryland, as well as a separate water taxi system in Baltimore.

Presenting a round-up of sustainable initiatives in the Capital Region USA:

Observe indigenous marine life return to Baltimore as Harbor Wetland opens:On Friday, 9th August 2024 the National Aquarium proudly announced the opening of the Harbor Wetland, a vast 10,000-square-foot expanse that recreates the Chesapeake Bay's original tidal marshes, inviting indigenous marine life to return to Baltimore. The wetland, situated between Piers 3 and 4 on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, features more than 32,000 native shrubs and marsh grasses and is based upon sustainable innovations developed by the Aquarium’s conservation and exhibit fabrication teams.

In 2017, Washington, DC was named the First LEED-Platinum City in the World. As of 2022, Washington, DC ranks second in the United States for the highest number of ENERGY STAR certified buildings. The District is home to over 5.7 million square feet of green roofs, positioning it as a leading city for this eco-friendly infrastructure that offers benefits like stormwater management and cooling. Additionally, with its 7,800 acres of parkland, Washington, DC claims the title for the most park space compared to other densely populated U.S. cities such as New York City, California and Texas. The Washington Nationals ballpark holds the distinction of being the nation's inaugural LEED Silver certified ballpark.

Capital Region USA is a hotbed of eco-accommodation: a long-time emblem of luxury in DC, the Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. 's sustainability initiatives are just as robust as its afternoon tea menu. Eaton DC prioritises people, purpose and place and has received a Bronze Earthcheck.

Eco-accommodations in Virginia range from eco-lodges like Montfair Resort Farm to LEED-certified hotels such as Williamsburg Woodland Hotels and Suites in Colonial Williamsburg catering to all preferences, including luxury stays and glamping. Visitors can enjoy low-impact eco-tours led by park rangers, such as New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, or Volgenau Virginia Coast Reserve, the longest expanse of coastal wilderness remaining on the east coast.

Blue Moon Rising in Maryland, like many properties in Capital Region USA are focused on environmental sustainability with cabins that incorporate recycled ship ladders and local art. Cutter 37 not only re-uses a historic ship but also offers a sinking ship simulation combining environmentally friendly accommodation and entertainment in one!

Visit Virginia Beach is proud to be a supporting partner of the Virginia Green program, so there’s no shortage of sustainable fun to be had here. The unique coastal environment makes it ideal for kayaking and visitors can venture into Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and even kayak with dolphins. The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach focuses on inspiring conservation through sustainable practices, and it is definitely worth a visit.

From an eco-friendly gastronomic perspective, Maryland offers numerous eateries as part of its Crab & Oyster Trail. The region is also a collaborator in the Oyster Recovery Partnership, which encompasses select Northern Virginia and Washington, DC dining establishments, and is focused on the recycling of oyster shells. Additionally, the Maryland Catfish Trail offers a unique approach, allowing travellers to help preserve the region by fishing for invasive species like Blue Catfish to Northern Snakehead found in the Chesapeake Bay.

Washington, DC proudly stands as a pioneer in environmental sustainability, being the first in the nation to launch a Green Bank to support eco-friendly initiatives. Washington, DC has over 140 miles of bike lanes and visitors can enjoy a variety of eco-conscious tours, from biking to segwaying, and support local businesses through a curated selection of shops and farmers markets.

Eco-friendly is not just a slogan to Virginia wineries, it is their livelihood. Without a healthy ecosystem, there are no top-tiers wines. Virginia’s award-winning wineries and cideries have long embraced sustainability, implementing organic methods and reducing chemical use. Green breweries and distilleries are pioneering eco-conscious production by employing natural, organic, and sustainable methods. They extend their commitment to the environment by implementing practices such as constructing wells in remote communities.  

The Accokeek Foundation is one organisation working amongst a multitude to protect the ancestral home of Piscataway People. The foundation is committed to creating a sustainable world. Park visitors will experience the interconnectedness of all life as they come to know the historical and cultural significance and regenerative potential of the indigenous landscape that is Piscataway Park.

The term ‘farm-to-table’ is standard when it comes to dining in Capital Region USA. Many of the region's restaurants have expanded their sustainability awareness with biodynamic agriculture, local farming and more. There is also a strong aquaculturist movement after the realisation of the importance of oysters in the eco-cycle of water systems and the need to protect wild aqua stock.

Rappahannock Oyster Company in Virginia have numerous restaurants in Virginia and one in Washington DC, that have been created to raise the profile of aquaculture with the oysters being ranked best in the world by the New York Times, Food and Wine and stocked by Eric Ripert’s restaurants, ranked best global chef.

A collective of farm-to-table restaurants known as the Farmers Restaurant Group - Founding Farmers, Farmers Fishers Bakers, and Farmers & Distillers – are LEED-certified and have in-house recycling and composting programs that keep 90 percent of waste out of landfills. Use the guide us green site in Washington, DC for some of the best sustainable recommendations like the Heritage Brewpub and Roastery offering coffee and craft beer created by veterans using locally sourced ingredients. Explore the organic restaurant list in Maryland to discover organic juices at Ocean City or organic coffee at Towson. Virginia Green, a tourism initiative to promote sustainable practices helps guide environmentally friendly choices for example The Daily Kitchen an organic all natural cafe in Richmond.

Visitors can explore the iconic sights of Washington, DC from the water by paddleboard with Boating in DC and glide past LIncoln Memorial, alongside Georgetown Waterfront, past Roosevelt Island and under the spectacular Key Bridge.

Airlie, is a countryside retreat tucked away in more than 300 acres of rolling Northern Virginia farmland and a stone’s throw from wine country. An innovation of sustainability, the next generation farm offers authentic nature experiences. It's also the birthplace of Earth Day, underscoring the area's long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship.

 Capital Region USA (CRUSA) is the official regional destination marketing organisation promoting Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland internationally, in partnership with Destination DC, the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Maryland Office of Tourism Development and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. CRUSA is a 501c3 non-profit organisation founded in 1997.

16  nights from £2,699 per person based on two people sharing standard hotels. Price includes 16 nights accommodation (two nights Washington, DC, two nights Baltimore MD, two nights Richmond VA, two nights Williamsburg VA, two nights Norfolk VA, two nights Charlottesville VA, two nights Lynchburg VA, two nights Roanoke VA)  return international flights and rail travel. Full itinerary here: