Surfrider Foundation Florida Keys Kicks Off Ocean Friendly Restaurants Program!

In response to the proliferation of plastic pollution, the Florida Keys chapter has locally launched the Surfrider Foundation’s national Ocean Friendly Restaurants Program. It is estimated that there are over 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic in the ocean, and that number continues to rise daily. The Ocean Friendly Restaurants Program works with local businesses to combat plastic pollution at the source. One restaurant, one customer at a time, increases awareness, drives change in behavior and ultimately creates scalable impact to reduce our plastic footprint.

“Our ocean and our coast is being inundated by plastic pollution,” said Julie Brown, Ocean Friendly Restaurants leader of the Florida Keys. “At every one of our local beach cleanups, we collect huge amounts of plastic straws, foam takeout containers, and plastic utensils. The Ocean Friendly Restaurants Program is a way for local restaurants to help reduce their plastic footprint and keep our beaches clean.”

In addition to launching the new program, the Florida Keys Chapter is celebrating their first local Ocean Friendly Restaurant, Date & Thyme Organic Café and Market. “Surfrider Florida Keys couldn’t be more proud to launch our program with Date & Thyme. They are taking huge steps to support ocean conservation and our local ocean-minded lifestyle,” said Julie Brown.

Restaurants participating in the OFR Program must abide by the following criteria:

  • No expanded polystyrene use (aka Styrofoam).
  • Proper recycling practices are followed.
  • Only reusable tableware is used for onsite dining, and disposable utensils for takeout food are provided only upon request.
  • No plastic bags offered for takeout or to-go orders.
  • Straws are provided only upon request.

They must also choose to abide by at least two of the following criteria:

  • No beverages sold in plastic bottles.
  • Discount is offered for customers with reusable cup, mug, bag, etc.
  • Vegetarian/vegan food options are offered on a regular basis
  • All seafood must be a ‘Best Choice’ or ‘Good Alternative’ as defined by Seafood Watch or certified as sustainable.
  • Water conservation efforts, such as low-flow faucets and toilets, are implemented.
  • Energy efficiency efforts such as LED lighting and Energy Star appliances, are in place.

To learn more about the Ocean Friendly Restaurant Program, or to sign-up your restaurant contact: Julie Brown at [email protected]

About Surfrider Foundation:

The Surfrider Foundation is a nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s ocean, waves and beaches through a powerful network. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains more than one million supporters, activists and members, with over 170 volunteer-led chapters and student clubs in the U.S., and more than 500 victories protecting our coasts. Learn more at surfrider.org.

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