Plastic pollution is causing chaos in our oceans, with a whopping 11 million metric tons entering annually, and a mind-blowing 11 billion projected by 2025. Those troublesome single-use plastics like bags, bottles, and wrappers are the main offenders. But fret not! The Surfrider Foundation's Ocean Friendly Restaurants initiative is here to the rescue, endorsing restaurants that say goodbye to these plastics, building a network that leads us towards a plastic-free future.
The South Sound Ocean Friendly Restaurants are shining examples of how community and sustainable business practices can make a real dent in reducing oceanic plastic waste. Show your support by dining at these awesome establishments. For more information on certifying a restaurant or diving deeper into the program, reach out chair@southsound.surfrider.org
Since its 2013 launch by the Surfrider Foundation's Huntington Beach chapter, Ocean Friendly Restaurants have rapidly expanded their eco-friendly influence across Southern California, Hawaii, and nationally by 2018. Our mission unites eco-minded restaurants, activists, and customers to promote sustainability for our health and Earth's future, enriching our lives with joy and peace. Ready to join us? Want to make your restaurant Ocean Friendly?
Mandatory Criteria (All 7 Required):
* 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.
Check out our Quick Guide for more tips to meet each of the criteria.
Review our Ocean Friendly Foodware Guide to learn about greenwashing, product alternatives, and creative ways to implement more reusables.
Optional Criteria (Choose At Least 3):
* 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.