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Good Food[/caption]Sara Stringer----Although most business are deciding to go eco-friendly in 2013, it may still hard to find an eco-friendly restaurant in your area. When it’s time to dine out, not only is it our responsibility to understand that business’s practices, but also know the impact it takes on the environment, which is why people are encouraged to dine out once a week at eco friendly restaurants.
Instead of driving to that popular burger joint, why not visit a restaurant with sustainable, energy and compost practices and prioritizes local seasonal organic cuisine. If you have yet to find one of these establishments in your neighborhood, here’s a list of the best, up-and-coming eco friendly restaurants in the United States.
Cindy’s Waterfront, Monterey Bay, California
If you thought that eco friendly was another way to describe vegetarian restaurants, think again! Cindy’s Waterfront has been featured in CNN’s most eco friendly places to eat in the U.S. because of it’s assortment of sustainably farmed fish that meet the Seafood Watch aquarium program’s standards for ecological marine farming. Next time you’re in Monterey Bay, why not stop by Cindy’s Waterfront for a few fish tacos?
Uncommon Ground, Chicago, Illinois
Named 2013’s Greenest Restaurant by the Green Restaurant Association, Uncommon Ground has been a Chicago’s hot spot for sustainable cuisine. Uncommon ground has nearly zero waste due to effective compost and recycling techniques and boasts the first rooftop farm. If you’re in the mood for vegetarian and vegan cuisine, Uncommon Ground in Chicago is just the place you’re looking for.
O! Burger, Los Angeles, California
If you think that you’re adding to your carbon footprint by eating a mouth-watering burger, think again! O! Burger in Los Angeles, Calif., is the nation’s first completely organic burger stand, from buns, to veggies and meat. O! Burger has strived to be completely eco friendly since it’s conception, and has proved to be just that. Simon Close Covenetry, entrepreneur of sustainable restaurants, lists O! Burger as an eco friendly establishment to look out for in 2013.
True Food Kitchen, Phoenix, Arizona
True Food Kitchen in Phoenix, Arizona features dishes that emphasise, whole grains, omega-rich protein and organic fruits and vegetables. What makes this restaurant eco friendly is it’s reliance on locally grown, organic produce, it’s use of high-efficiency kitchen equipment, low voltage appliances and lights and it’s natural water purification unit.
Couloir Restaurant, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
If you ever find yourself in the state of Wyoming and get a craving for healthy, eco friendly food, then the Couloir Restaurant is where you need to go. The restaurant is known by locals to fetch all of it’s products within a 250-mile radius and it’s use of only free-range livestock and poultry. The restaurant is also a big supporter of local harvests, using produce tended in their urban vertical greenhouse.
Sweetgreen, Washington D.C.
Sweetgreen is one of the largest East Coast chains of eco friendly restaurants (16 establishments) in the U.S., all of which originated in Washington D.C. Sweetgreen is nationally renowned for it’s eco friendly practices like its use of 100 percent plant-based compostable bowls, cutlery and cups, running on 100% wind energy and solar panels, and cooking with the best, hormone-free and antibiotic-free livestock, poultry and produce. Sweetgreen is definitely one of the best, eco-friendly establishments in the U.S. as of 2013.
Spiritland Bistro, Santa Barbara, California
Known by locals for its freshest, organic ingredients and produce free from hormones, nitrates, and artificial colors or flavors, Spiritland Bistro has been ranked one of the greenest restaurants in California. Spiritland Bistro’s menu reflects seasonal changes in harvested food, which means guests will always dine on locally-grown, fresh, seasonal food, promoting the local agricultural community.
The eco friendly food movement is no doubt growing, and spreading its reach across the country. Soon, there’ll be an eco friendly restaurant in every corner of your neighborhood. In the meantime, if you happen to live in the area, why not try out these sustainably green restaurants. You’ll be contributing to a greener earth and a healthier you.
