Enviro-Eateries Causing Quite a Stir

Eco-friendly patrons can feel a little less guilty eating out these days thanks to a host of gourmet establishments turning over an environmentally conscious leaf. Why the new interest in all things green? Both a personal green philosophy and a need to please eco-chic customers have begun to change the face of the restaurant business.

In order to be considered a truly green establishment, restaurants must be certified by the Green Restaurant Association (GRA). The certification process says that restaurants must use a comprehensive recycling system, be free of Styrofoam products and commit to completing four of GRA's 11 environmental steps each year of membership. Some of the steps include cooking with sustainable foods, using energy efficient appliances, conserving water, recycling and composting. Restaurants must use chlorine-free paper products and non-toxic cleaning chemicals as well.

Gusto Grilled Organics is a GRA-certified green restaurant. Manager, Ayal Amir says it's well worth the many steps the restaurant has taken to become certified.

"It's important to us to set an example that there is a better way to do business," said Ayal Amir. "Technology has become so advanced that it's easier than ever to go green. We feel it's our responsibility to live green, live organic and treat Mother Nature with respect."

The restaurant has taken many eco-friendly steps including making the kitchen highly energy efficient through wind energy. Additionally, the garbage is separated every evening into food matter for composting and glass and paper for recycling. All of the take-out materials are biodegradable instead of Styrofoam, which is made with toxin-laced materials that fill up our landfills.

"We put quite a bit more money into going green initially using pricier green items like organic concrete for the ground and furniture made with recycled wood," Amir said. "But we believe that as demand increases the price for these big ticket items will fall. Also, as we reduce our waste in terms of water and energy, we are able to save money by running the restaurant more efficiently. In the end, we think we will see the extra money we put in and then some."

Being green goes hand in hand with Gusto Grilled Organics' all organic philosophy. They use only the highest quality all-local, all-organic ingredients for farm fresh recipes like the Fuguzzeta pizza made with caramelized onions, olive oil and mozzarella; and the dulce de leche ice cream.

Gusto's ingredients are all certified organic, which means the restaurant doesn't use any fossil fuel based pesticides, herbicides or chemicals. Local organic foods are even better because they don't use an abundance of costly gas to get to your table. This is so important when you consider that the average produce travels 1,500 miles before it reaches its destination.

With nearly 140 certified green restaurants and 150 more currently going through the process, going green is becoming an excellent alternative to the old way of doing business. Restaurants like Gusto Grilled Organics are taking eco-chic to a whole new level.