Sustainable Westport Restaurant Champions

We’re on a mission to turn Westport’s vibrant restaurant scene into a leader of environmental stewardship and driver of a healthier community— and it starts with your business.

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.

That’s where Sustainable Westport’s Restaurant Champions Program comes in.

We’re partnering with local restaurants, cafes, food businesses, and more to implement practical, sustainable solutions that reduce waste, conserve resources, and protect our planet while supporting your bottom line.

What does a sustainable food business look like?

The program highlights businesses that lead by example in four key areas:

Complying with Westport’s Single-Use Plastic Ordinance

Sourcing Ingredients Sustainably

Engaging in Responsible Waste Management

Prioritizing Energy Efficiency

Led by Samantha Schwab, Sustainable Westport’s Restaurant Champions Lead, and in collaboration with the experts at the Center for EcoTechnology (CET), we offer personalized support to help your business cut waste, save money, and earn local recognition.

Why is it smart for your restaurant?

Implementing sustainable business practices and joining the Sustainable Westport Restaurant Champions Program comes with a lot of perks that your business can benefit from. Our initiative can help your business:

  • Lower waste and hauling costs
  • Earn tax incentives
  • Avoid local penalties
  • Improve employee satisfaction
  • Receive media attention
  • Gain local recognition

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

Why is it smart for the planet?

Big change starts small. We hope our program’s participants will serve as catalysts for change, inspiring other food businesses to follow suit. Together, we can create big impact and a more promising future by:

  • Reducing pollution from single-use plastics
  • Improving water and air quality through supporting local and sustainable farming practices
  • Decreasing greenhouse emissions by reducing unnecessary waste and conserving energy
  • Encouraging practices that better the health of our community and environment

How does it work?

How do I get started?

Let’s have a quick chat! We’d love to help your business become more sustainable and reap the benefits of its efforts. Email Samantha Schwab, Sustainable Westport Champions Lead, to get started.

Download the program flyer here for more details.