Great Lakes Friendly Restaurants

Mandatory Criteria (All 7 Required):

1. Only reusable foodware is used for onsite dining.*
2. Paper straws are provided only upon request.** 
3. No expanded polystyrene use (aka Styrofoam). 
4. No plastic bags are used for takeout or to-go orders. 
5. Single-use utensils, straws, condiments, and other accessory items are provided only upon request.
6. Beverages are not sold in plastic bottles.
7. Proper recycling practices are followed.

* Foodware includes dinnerware, drinkware, silverware, and ramekins/containers.

** Exceptions may be made for naturally occurring materials (e.g. hay, bamboo) and reusables (e.g. metal, glass), not including bio-based plastic. Straws should be provided to anyone who needs one, including people with disabilities. Read more here.

Optional Criteria (Choose At Least 3):

1. A discount is offered for customers with a reusable item (e.g. cup, container, bag).
2. Vegetarian and vegan food options are offered on a regular basis.
3. All seafood is ‘Best Choice’ or ‘Good Alternative’ as defined by Seafood Watch or certified sustainable.*
4. Water conservation and pollution mitigation efforts are implemented.**
5. Energy efficiency efforts are in place.***
6. Concessions and pre-packaged food items are not sold in plastic packaging.
7. Composting efforts are in place for food waste.
8. Neither single-use plastic nor bio-based plastic containers are used for takeout or to-go orders, reusable containers are preferred.

* Locally sourced, sustainable seafood is preferred and should be prioritized when Seafood Watch recommendations do not apply. 

** Examples include installing low-flow faucets and toilets, offering drinking water upon request only, no hosing down outside to reduce urban runoff, proper disposal of FOG, and up-to-date septic or sewage to prevent wastewater pollution.

*** Examples include switching to LED lighting, installing solar panels, using Energy Star certified appliances and/or other efforts to use less energy.