The DMV region, consisting of DC, Maryland, and Virginia, has made significant strides when it comes to sustainability. However – depending on where you live in the region, your mileage may still vary. Some of the DMV’s strengths when it comes to sustainable living include public transportation, renewable energy, waste reduction, protected parks, and even some urban farming in the form of community gardens and non-profit-run spaces that help produce fresh goods for the community.
There are still a multitude of ways that residents can help support these goals and reduce their carbon footprint on a day-to-day basis. While Washington, D.C. is fairly walkable, many parts of Virginia and Maryland are car-centric. Depending on where you live, you may not have readily available public transportation options. Instead, make small changes where you can and see how they add up!
Practice Water Conservation
Water conservation is often a go-to method for beginning a more sustainable lifestyle. Growing urban populations across the region place increasing pressure on water resources, so conserving this precious resource when and where you can will help reduce the strain on local waterways such as the Potomac and the Chesapeake Bay. As an added benefit, homeowners can lower their utility bills and decrease their overall energy usage by conserving water.
Not sure how to implement this sustainable living stalwart into your day-to-day life? Low-flow fixtures (faucets, shower heads, toilets, etc.), can reduce household water use. In fact, the EPA estimates that replacing inefficient faucets with efficient WaterSense models may save the average family 700 gallons of water per year. Rain barrels are also a great way to collect rainwater, which you can then use to hydrate any outdoor plants or gardens you may have. DC also has the RiverSmart program, which offers rebates to homeowners who install rain gardens, permeable pavement, native plant gardens, rain barrels, and more. These additions help to manage stormwater runoff and protect local watersheds.
Reduce Waste at Home & in the Community
Implementing waste-reducing practices not only helps to minimize landfill overflow, but it can also contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable community overall — which benefits everybody in it as well as the surrounding environment. Easy ways to reduce your own personal waste include limiting single-use plastics (single-use water bottles, plastic bags, etc.) and opting for more environmentally friendly replacements, such as reusable bags and reusable bottles. If you have the means, then composting is also a proven way to reduce food waste. You’ll even be rewarded with nutrient-rich soil that your garden will thrive off of! In some cases, you may even have a local composting program that’s eager to take food scraps off your hands. DC offers free compost drop-off at farmers’ markets.
While recycling is already a popular method of reducing waste in the DMV community, residents must follow jurisdiction-specific guidelines for their recycling. If you’re unsure if something can be recycled, refer to your county’s or city’s detailed list of acceptable materials. Maryland passed Recycling Market Development in 2021 which aims to coordinate and promote the development of markets for recycled materials. DC also has a Zero Waste initiative, which promotes collaboration between businesses, schools, community groups, residents, and the government to move towards the goal of zero waste. Remember: reduce, reuse, recycle.
Take Advantage of the Public Transportation System
For those living in DC, relying on a robust public transit system can be a positive way to reduce carbon emissions and promote a reduction in traffic. Mass transit has been proven as an efficient means of travel and commuting and the capital city has the Metrorail, Metrobus, and commuter trains that transport thousands every day. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is also working to achieve a zero-emission bus fleet by 2042 as part of their Better Bus initiative. Public transportation can alleviate some of the region’s notorious traffic congestion, especially during peak commuting hours. There are additional programs around the city, such as Capital Bikeshare and readily available electric scooters that can help reduce the necessity of short car trips.
While DC and its inner suburbs may have a functional public transit system in place, there are a multitude of coverage caps when it comes to the surrounding region. These locations still heavily rely on single-occupant vehicles due to limited alternative options. Commuters who have the option may find that carpooling helps to reduce their daily emissions.
Enhance Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
For many, becoming more energy efficient in their daily life can be a powerful tool when it comes to living a more sustainable lifestyle. Through a series of practical changes, homeowners can reduce their energy consumption, lower their utility bills, and decrease their impact on the environment. Making the switch to energy-efficient appliances, such as ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerators, washers, and HVAC systems has been shown to reduce energy use. That doesn’t mean going out and replacing your fridge for thousands of dollars though! When the time comes and an appliance breaks, opting for a more efficient replacement is the sustainable approach.
DC’s Solar for All program and Maryland’s EmPOWER program both have rebate opportunities for efficient appliances and home upgrades. Another simple way to promote efficiency within your home is to replace bulbs with LED variants, which use up to 75% less energy and last longer to boot! Avoid phantom energy consumption by unplugging devices when not in use or opting for a smart power strip with an on/off switch.
Offset Your Carbon Emissions
Offsetting carbon emissions is a practical method for reducing your environmental impact. Carbon offsets work by funding projects that are designed to reduce or capture greenhouse gases, such as reforestation and renewable energy initiatives. These projects help to balance out the emissions produced by an individual’s day-to-day life, which may involve driving, flying, and typical home energy use. Remember, reducing your direct carbon footprint is the most effective long-term strategy but contributing to offsets can also compensate for the emissions that are more difficult to eliminate.
There are helpful tools online, such as the EPA’s Carbon Footprint Calculator, that can help you estimate your emissions and make informed decisions on where you can make small reductions and changes. If you wish to go the extra mile, consider investing in verified carbon offset programs like Gold Standard, Climate Action Reserve, and Carbon Direct. The Chesapeake Bay Restoration project is another way to invest in the environment by reducing pollution at its source and improving water quality.
Research Sustainable Product Alternatives
When making day-to-day product decisions, such as skin care, household cleaners, and even clothing — view your purchases through the lens of sustainability to help you determine which option better suits your goals. Durable, high-quality products may require an initial upfront investment but they’re built to last longer, therefore reducing waste and unnecessary replacements. When possible, repair and reuse items to extend their lifespan. Clothing made from sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton, linen, or recycled textiles is preferable over synthetic fabrics like polyester.
Consumers should also pay attention to trusted labels that help to verify sustainability and ethical practices, such as Fair Trade and USDA Organic. Larger families may benefit from buying in bulk, which also helps to reduce plastic waste and alleviate the need for frequent trips to the store. Sometimes, online shopping carts may prompt you to opt for minimal packaging — which is preferable over unnecessary plastic, styrofoam, or packing material.
Shop Local When Possible
Many people are aware that shopping locally can greatly benefit sustainability efforts. Choosing to visit the farmers market for your weekly allotment of produce and organic goods not only benefits your health, it reduces strain on transportation. Shopping locally boosts the economy within the community and helps to support businesses, farms, artisans, and more. This can strengthen community ties, while also cutting down on fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Typically, less packaging is needed as well since products aren’t being shipped across the country.
Sustainable agriculture, such as organic farming, crop rotation, and limited pesticide use all help to contribute to soil health and biodiversity. Not to mention, local food is oftentimes fresher than what you can find on the shelves of your nearest chain grocery store. Not only is shopping locally beneficial for an eco-friendly lifestyle, but it’s also a lot of fun as well! Try new local bakeries, breweries, coffee shops, and more across the DMV region and you may just be surprised at the new friends you make along the way!
Support Sustainable Business Models
Throughout your journey of practicing sustainable living in the DMV region, you’re likely to come into contact with a variety of sustainable small businesses and initiatives that drive progress throughout the community. Showing your support, whether monetarily or by promoting these practices by word of mouth to your friends, family, and coworkers, is a great way to boost education and resources for all. The DMV is home to various zero waste stores and refill businesses, such as Virginia’s Fillagreen in Manassas and Trace — The Zero Waste Store in Vienna. Maryland is home to Fullfillery, as well as Roots Market, where shoppers can buy bulk foods and coffee. Sustainably-minded shoppers can also pick up household cleaning supplies and personal care products from Love Your Mama.
Donating clothing and shopping secondhand is also a great way to promote sustainability, while also refreshing your wardrobe throughout the seasons. By consciously supporting such business models, consumers have the power to encourage more companies to adopt eco-friendly practices that not only strengthen the local economy but reduce harmful environmental impacts. Don’t be afraid to be an advocate and support positive policy changes!
Eco-Friendly Living in the DMV is Possible!
Those wishing to live a more sustainable lifestyle in the DMV are in for some good news. Not only is it entirely possible to adopt eco-friendly practices both at home and in the community, but it’s becoming easier than ever thanks to burgeoning local initiatives, government programs, and growing support. Whether you rely on DC’s public transit system or you practice water conservation methods at your home — there are endless opportunities to make small differences and to see changes add up. While the DMV region sees more progressive policies in DC, these changes have a way of expanding and gaining popularity when they prove successful. Collaborate with your friends, neighbors, and coworkers to see where you can make an impact!