Mission sustainable: Java Green is a business and a philosophy

April 1, 4:00 PMDC Vegan ExaminerErica Meier

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Java Green, located at 1020 19th St., N.W., D.C.

Java Green may be nestled in the heart of D.C.'s bustling business district, but at the heart of Java Green is a mission to promote a better world through healthy, sustainable living.

At 1020 19th Street in downtown D.C. sits Java Green, an independently-owned café that, true to its motto—"Drink green. Eat green. Live green"—has transformed the weekday lunch hour and redefined the concept of giving back to the community.

The menu is 100% meat- and egg-free (nearly all-vegan), and the goal is to provide healthy food that, as Java Green's website suggests, helps “create a better world by encouraging a socially-responsible, conscious lifestyle." Using organic, and fair trade ingredients whenever possible, you’ll find Korean-inspired dishes like "Chicken" Jobche and Seoul "Chicken" Salad. And that bamboo stick in the middle of the "chicken" drumstick is the only telltale sign that it’s a plant-based meal.

Java Green is a haven for local vegetarians and vegans, but its customer base is largely comprised of non-vegetarians: 75-80 percent, in fact. The café's staff couldn't be more delighted. They believe that by offering omnivores a healthy and satisfying alternative, they won't even miss the meat—and the plan seems to be working.

Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike are flocking to Java Green in such droves that its owners are opening another restaurant in Dupont Circle—Café Green. The new location will feature an all-vegan menu, more seating room and free wifi as well as a variety of organic beers and wines. (Stay-tuned for updates on the grand opening!)

Java Green is more than a restaurant. In addition to the many health, environmental, and ethical benefits of serving meat-free cuisine, it’s 100% wind-powered, it hosts various educational events for social and environmental organizations, and it donates to several charitable organizations. Most notably, on the third Saturday of each month, Java Green donates a portion of the day’s sales to Compassion Over Killing, a non-profit animal advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. that worked with the eatery in 2004 to help create and promote its animal-friendly menu.

To sum up it up in the words of co-owner D.J. Kim: "We think about life and a better world for all."