Nowadays, “eating green” does not necessarily mean just stuffing up on salad greens and drinking glasses of fruit smoothie. Green dining has become an increasingly complex idea, thanks to the improved awareness of people regarding the importance of finding more environmentally-sustainable ways for the populace to eat. So just how do you spot a green or environment-friendly restaurant? There are a number of things to consider:

Green food. Of course, the “greenness” of the food served in a restaurant is a very important consideration. Many genuinely green restaurants deem it necessary that the food they serve is certified natural and organic and not processed. The produce they use should not be tainted with pesticides and chemical fertilizers and the meat they use should have been raised free-range and fed organically-grown grain, grass or vegetables. Ideally, food should also be locally produced. The nearer the food is produced from the restaurant, the less carbon footprint the place incurs because transportation requires the use of fossil fuels.

Green building. A truly green restaurant should also be able to boast of a green building certification. Green buildings are designed to minimize a structure’s overall impact on the environment. It should be able to efficiently use energy, water and other resources, it should be able to protect the health of workers and customers, and it should be able to reduce waste, pollution and environmental degradation. For example, a green building will employ efficient cooling and heating systems, alternative energy from wind, hydroelectric and passive and active solar technologies, efficient plumbing and water systems, non-toxic paints and varnishes and renewable and recycled building materials. A real green building will usually have certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a green building rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Ensuring less pollution. Green restaurants also take several steps in order to minimize their waste and pollution production. Enormous food waste and food service rubbish is usually generated by businesses serving food. Thus, green restaurants try to reduce solid waste production by composting food waste, serving food in biodegradable food service items, and by giving customers the option to use reusable utensils, plates and glasses. Environment-friendly restaurants will also use recycled paper items instead of those made from polysterene foam or Styrofoam. Furthermore, they can prevent water pollution by installing grey-water systems and water treatment systems. The restaurant management can also encourage its staff to go to work via carpooling or by using bicycles to reduce their carbon emissions. In addition, they can also use energy-efficient appliances for their operation requirements.

In addition, green restaurants will follow the tenets of natural cleaning and organic cleaning and will only make use of earth friendly cleaning products. This will ensure the cleanliness of all restaurant implements as well as protect customers and workers from exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins. Environment-friendly restaurants will usually have certification from organizations like the Green Restaurant Association.

Green restaurants are becoming more popular in Europe as people there become increasingly environmentally-conscious. Here in the U.S., you can help in the growth of the green restaurant industry by choosing to dine in a truly environment-friendly restaurant. Don’t forget to use your BabyGanics The Germinator Hand Sanitizer before eating. Bon Appétit!