Margot McNeeley started Project Green Fork in 2008 to reduce restaurant trash going to the landfill and to help promote the locally owned establishments that are making our city more sustainable.
Restaurants earning the PGF certification must complete the following 6 steps to the satisfaction of PGF:
1. For all disposable products, Project Green Fork restaurants are to use products that are one of the following: compostable, biodegradable, recyclable, or made from recycled content. No polystyrene, aka styrofoam, can be used anywhere.
2. To prevent materials from ending up in the trash (and eventually a landfill), certified restaurants are required to recycle all items that are recognized as recyclable by Project Green Fork.
3. Project Green Fork will help restaurants develop a composting process to collect pre-consumed fruit, vegetable, coffee grounds, and eggshell scraps and other compostable waste.
4. Toxic cleaning products release harmful chemicals like phosphates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the sewers, eventually making their way into rivers, oceans, rainwater, and eventually back into our drinking water. These chemicals pollute and harm any wildlife they come in contact with—including us. Project Green Fork establishments must reduce the usage of toxic cleaners wherever possible with plant-based and/or other biodegradable cleaners.
5. After completing an energy audit, Project Green Fork will help restaurants take steps to reduce and conserve vital energy and water. MLGW offers web-based tools designed to help you identify energy waste and find ways to save.
6. Properly maintained grease traps and kitchen hoods prevent overflows and emissions to sewer and storm drain systems. Restaurants should ensure kitchen, front of house, and outside areas are clean and free of debris at all times including cigarette butts and other outside trash.
There are many ways we can help Project Green Fork with its mission. Here are a few:
*Consider a tax-deductible donation
*Contact them about PGF Volunteer opportunities
*Attend one of their regular events or seasonal dinners
*Support PGF restaurants, and tell them you appreciate their green efforts
*Encourage your favorite restaurants to get onboard with PGF certification
*Add a Project Green Fork link on your website or blog
*Visit our site often for news and our constantly growing list of PGF restaurants
*Forward PGF information to friends, family and colleagues
*Follow PGF on Facebook and Twitter!
To see a list of PGF certified restaurants, click here.
For more information, contact:
Margot McNeeley, Executive Director
Project Green Fork
901.292.1700
www.projectgreenfork.org
Facebook: Project Green Fork
Twitter handle: @projgreenfork
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