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Creating an Environmentally Sustainable Restaurant Industry
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Eco-Facts
Every ton of 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper saves: 12 trees, 1976 lbs. of greenhouse gases, and 390 gallons of oil.
Environmental Guidelines
Energy Efficiency & Conservation
Energy efficient technologies and conservation practices exist for lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, foodservice appliances, office equipment, and transportation.
Water Efficiency & Conservation
Water efficient technologies and conservation practices exist for foodservice 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.
Education
Staff will receive GRA's book,
Dining Green: A Guide to Creating Environmentally Sustainable Restaurants and Kitchens
, which explains the environmental impact of the restaurant industry and a path toward ecological sustainability. Restaurants also receive signs for recycling, energy & water conservation, and to remind staff of the 4 Environmental Steps for the year.
For a consultation on how to apply these guidelines to your organization, please
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.
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