There are a lot of things restaurants, just like other businesses, can do to be more "Green"; energy and water efficiency, recycling, and using sustainable food to name a few. Support local restaurants that make the effort to be more environmentally friendly. See below for the common practices of a Green restaurant.

Energy Efficiency & Conservation

Energy efficient technologies and conservation practices exist for lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, food service appliances, office equipment, and transportation.

Water Efficiency & Conservation

Water efficient technologies and conservation practices exist for food service appliances, equipment, and landscaping.

Recycling & Composting

Recycling services exist for many waste products such as glass, plastic, metal, cardboard, mixed paper, grease, ink & toner cartridges. Food waste can be diverted from landfills and made into nutrient-rich soil through the use of a composting service or an on-site system.

Sustainable Food

Sustainable food products support the long-term maintenance of ecosystems and agriculture for future generations. Organic agriculture prohibits the use of toxic synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, irradiation, sewage sludge, and genetic engineering. Locally grown foods reduce the amount of pollution associated with transportation primarily by fossil fuels. Plant-based foods require fewer natural resources and create less pollution per calorie consumed.

Pollution Prevention

Pollution prevention is achieved through source reduction, reuse, or improving operational practices.

Recycled, Tree-Free, Biodegradable & Organic Products

Recycled products are made from materials that are collected from post-consumer or post-industrial waste sources. Tree-free products are made from alternative plant sources such as hemp or kenaf. Biodegradable products are capable of being decomposed by biological agents, especially bacteria. Organic products are grown without the use of toxic synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, irradiation, sewage sludge, and genetic engineering.

Chlorine-Free Paper Products

Chlorine-free paper products are unbleached or whitened with alternatives such as hydrogen peroxide, oxygen, and ozone. The term Process Chlorine-Free (PCF) identifies recycled paper that is unbleached or bleached without the use of chlorine compounds. The term Totally Chlorine-Free (TCF) identifies virgin paper that is unbleached or bleached without the use of chlorine compounds. The term Elemental Chlorine-Free (ECF) identifies paper that is bleached without the use of elemental chlorine (but may use chlorine compounds).

Non-Toxic Cleaning & Chemical Products

Non-toxic cleaning and chemical products are biodegradable, free of hazardous ingredients, and are safe for people, animals and the environment when used properly.

Green Power

Electricity and power is available from renewable resources such as wind, solar, geothermal, small hydro and biomass. These energy sources cause dramatically less air pollution and environmental damage compared to fossil fuel, nuclear, and large-scale hydroelectric energy sources.

Green Building & Construction

Green design and construction practices significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of buildings on the environment, occupants, and the local community.

THE FACTS

Sustainable food products support the long-term maintenance of ecosystems and agriculture for future generations.