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.

We’re on a mission to transform our town’s vibrant restaurant industry into a shining example of environmental stewardship.

Through our innovative Restaurant Certification program, we hope to partner with local eateries to incorporate sustainable practices that reduce waste, conserve resources, and help protect the planet.

By working with our team and the experts at the Center for EcoTechnology (CET), your restaurant can receive personalized assistance in implementing sustainable practices and minimizing 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 to:

  • Implement effective food waste reduction and recycling strategies
  • Explore energy-efficient equipment and operations
  • Source locally-grown, sustainable ingredients
  • Engage your staff and customers in sustainable initiatives

Contact Sustainable Westport to learn how your restaurant can help be part of the solution and earn our Sustainable Restaurant Certification. Together, let’s elevate Westport’s dining scene, reduce waste, and protect our planet’s natural resources.

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

Interested In Learning More? Contact us at admin@sustainablewestport.org

Volunteer Needed: We are currently looking for a Westporter to join our team to lead the Restaurant Certification program. Learn more here.

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