Ocean 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.

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):

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 no seafood is served.*
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.