(April 22, 2012) Calgary, AB - Leaders in Environmentally Accountable Foodservice (LEAF), a third-party certification program for restaurants that meet and adhere to strict environmental criteria, today released its list of "Canada's Greenest Restaurants" in recognition of Earth Day, an annual day dedicated to globally celebrating Earth's natural environment.
"LEAF is celebrating Earth Day by shining a light on Canadian restaurants that have made a commitment to be as environmentally responsible as possible, with our first annual "Canada's Greenest Restaurants" list," said Janine Windsor, President, LEAF. "I'm proud to recognize these pioneers in the foodservice industry, and I'm encouraged by the growing interest of all different types of foodservice facilities - from large post-secondary institutions to food trucks - who want to reduce their environmental "fork print," as we call it."
LEAF is pleased to recognize the following 16 companies that have met, or exceeded, minimum requirements in 10 key areas of sustainability:
All of these restaurants work closely with LEAF Accredited Consultants to undergo an environmental audit, and make a commitment to become the most environmentally responsible as possible.
As the only nationwide environmental and sustainable certification program for the Canadian Foodservice Industry, LEAF has been cultivating this list of "Canada's Greenest Restaurants" for two years with industry affiliates across the country.
With increasing pressure by the public for companies to adopt environmental and sustainable programs, restauranteurs are quickly recognizing the value in LEAF certification. There are tremendous environmental and financial benefits to restauranteurs who implement LEAF programs, and many see a noticeable reduction in their energy, water and waste costs.
Windsor says she's looking forward to adding many more restaurants and organizations across Canada to the list in 2012, and as more restaurants make the list, the greater positive impact the industry collectively has on the environment.
LEAF is also contributing to environmental efforts for Earth Day by providing a complimentary copy of SAVING GREEN: A Restauranteurs Guide to Saving Money and the Environment for those who sign up for their e-newsletter via www.leafme.ca.
SAVING GREEN is a best-practices handbook for restaurant owners that provide tips for thousands of dollars in potential energy savings to help them get started on their green journey.
The foodservice industry has a large impact on the environment, but Windsor says she talks to many business owners who feel its environmentally responsible to become LEAF certified, and they also recognize it makes smart business sense.
"By eating a local, organic, and predominantly plant-based diet, you can reduce the ecological footprint of the food you eat by as much as 90%" ~ David Suzuki's Green Guide
How you can help the foodservice industry be more environmentally sustainable:
FOR FOOD SERVICES INDUSTRY AFFILIATES
LEAF will be offering environmental seminars to chefs, restauranteurs and foodservice professionals in cities across Canada in the coming months to help educate them on how to reduce their environmental impact.
Sign up today at www.leafme.ca
FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC
Anyone can help by visiting a LEAF certified restaurant in your area, or by asking your favourite restaurant to be greener by becoming LEAF certified. LEAF certification makes it easy for the public to identify certified green restaurants in Canada.
Learn more through www.leafme.ca
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About LEAF
Established in 2009, LEAF helps restaurants reduce their environmental impact, and makes it easy for diners to identify green restaurants. The organization provides a benchmark to measure the environmental sustainability of foodservice establishments in Canada, and fosters sustainability by working with the community to support the local economy. Our mandate is to bring people together, not only in the foodservice industry, but farmers, producers and consumers as well, to work towards a more sustainable, less wasteful foodservice industry. Visit LEAF online at www.leafme.ca on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LEAFCanada or Twitter at www.twitter.com/LEAF_Canada
Media Contact:
Natalie Harper // Harper PR
Mobile: 780.909.2281 // Email: natalie@harperpr.com
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