Why Go Green?

1. Receive Great Publicity

In the past few years, the Green Restaurant Association has featured its Certified Green Restaurants™ on:

• Time Magazine
• NBC Nightly News
• Wall St. Journal
• NY Times
• CNN (2 minutes)
• NPR (3 different one hour segments)
• FOX News Live (5 minutes)

2. Cut Costs

Cost savings result from our well-researched energy conservation programs, recycling/waste reduction systems, and using The Green Restaurant Association's influence to facilitate manufacturers and distributors in lowering their product costs. Some Certified Green Restaurants™ save thousands of dollars annually per location.

3. Improve Staff Productivity and Morale

Many restaurants have discovered that staff morale increases after becoming a Certified Green Restaurant™. A director of operations for a major chain stated that his Certified Green Restaurant™ locations were more productive than the rest of his stores.

4. Increase Customer Loyalty

Customers are increasingly educated and wanting to patronize businesses, which are responsible environmental citizens. When customers walk into a Certified Green Restaurant™, they see the environmental steps the restaurant is working to implement. The transparency of the process is educational and inspirational for many customers, which creates a stronger bond between customer and restaurant.

5. Drive in New Customers

80% of Americans identify themselves as environmentally concerned. A dedicated sector of these 80% are driving a 20% annual growth in the $11 billion organic food industry; are investing billions in socially responsible investment funds; and are dedicated customers of Certified Green Restaurant™. Customers learn about Certified Green Restaurants™ through the Green Dining Guide, GRA's website (www.dinegreen.com), and mainstream press. Certified Green Restaurants™ have been featured on CNN, KPBS, ABC, front page of the SD Union-Tribune, amongst many more TV, radio, and print media.

6. Stay Ahead of Legislation

Certified Green Restaurants™ stay ahead of legislation, receive positive media attention, save money, and use their time efficiently.

7. Create a Healthier Environment

Restaurants are the #1 consumer of electricity in the retail sector. Comprising 10% of the American economy, the restaurant industry exacts a large impact upon the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. Certified Green Restaurants™ position themselves as responsible citizens of the business world.

"It is innovative programs like the Green Restaurant Association that give our country promise to forge a strong economy based upon strong and healthy environmental practices"

-Jerry Lawson
  EPA Director, Energy Star® for Small Business

Find out how your restaurant can become a Green Restaurant Association Certified Green Restaurants™ at DineGreen.com