DID YOU KNOW

US restaurants generate an estimated 22 to 33 billion pounds of food waste each year and approximately 4 to 10 percent of food purchased by restaurants is wasted before reaching the consumer.

Sustainable Westport is working with local restaurants to encourage them to incorporate sustainable practices into their businesses. This can be achieved through a number of ways ranging from food to waste and supplies to building energy efficiency. Our goal is to engage and inspire a wide variety of Westport restaurants to join this certification.

Sustainable Westport is working with the Center for EcoTechnology (CET), an environmental nonprofit that helps people and businesses save energy and reduce waste. Thanks to a partnership with the EPA, USDA and CT DEEP, CET offers no-cost technical assistance to food-permitted businesses and institutions across Connecticut and the region. Their assistance can include tailored recommendations to implement or further businesses efforts to reduce, rescue, or recycle surplus food and food waste. They also offer solutions around recycling more effectively.

Sustainable Westport has introduced CET to many restaurants in Westport and the list is growing. We are actively exploring ways to add value to restaurants who join our certification, such as offering the purchase of “green” or sustainable serviceware and takeout containers at a discount.

Requirements for Certification

  1. Only reusable foodware is used for onsite dining
  2. Comply with plastic straw ban
  3. Offer reusable take-out containers that are plastic free (as required by local ordinance)
  4. No expanded polystyrene use (aka Styrofoam)
  5. No plastic bags are used for takeout or to-go orders
  6. Single-use utensils, straws, condiments, and other accessory items are provided only upon request for takeout and to-go orders
  7. Proper recycling practices are followed
  8. Vegetarian and/or vegan food options are offered on a regular basis

SELECT 2 of the following:

  1. Compost your food waste and Donate your left-over food (if applicable)
  2. Source [10%] of food and beverage products from local and sustainable suppliers, including the Westport Farmers Market, and ensuring that seafood is ‘Best Choice’ or ‘Good Alternative’ as defined by Seafood Watch, or certified as sustainable
  3. Use BPI certified compostable carryout containers, bags and utensils when requested (see source link below re:takeout)
  4. Source soaps and cleaning products that are free of harsh chemicals and in large containers
  5. All paper products are tree-free or made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials
  6. Beverages are not sold in plastic bottles

Application COMING SOON!

Certification Process COMING SOON!

Who’s on Board? COMING SOON!

Check out Kneads Bakery, Café, and Mill’s Perfect Recipe for Waste Reduction case study here.