Greener Dining Out in Houston, Texas

Dining out is one of America’s favourite past-times. Sharing a festive meal at a local restaurant is a cultural norm for graduations, receptions, sporting events, family birthdays and other occasions in which a night off from cooking is a much appreciated gesture.
Aside from all the advantages of a dining experience, a few drawbacks do exist.  Every year, approximately 40 billion plastic utensils are tossed into the landfill.  Industrial-sized ovens, hot air hand dryers, food-warming lamps, ice-making machines, constantly-churning dishwashers and billions of dollars in restaurant refrigeration suck up energy across the country.
The cost of running a restaurant is exorbitant; saving valuable dollars by using a green building standard will not only save a large chunk of the environment, but it will allow restaurant owners to put more money back into their business or into the struggling economy of their community.
Cullen’s Upscale American Grille, located in downtown Houston, Texas, is a great example of green building practises.  Cullen’s has completed 17 Steps of Progress within the Green Restaurant Association Environmental Guidelines.

Among the many energy conscious decisions they have made, a few examples are:

•    replacement of all plastics with disposable cutlery made from sustainable sources such as potato or corn starch
•    elimination of Styrofoam container use
•    installation of energy efficient ovens, dishwasher, refrigerator, air conditioning, ice machine and hand dryers
•    creation of environmental curtains to contain inside temperature
•    addition of energy-saving lighting devices and programmable thermostats
•    adherence to a consistent recycling program for reusable products such as cardboard and paper
•    reduction of the amount water used to flush toilets and fill sinks

Taking the lead in environmentally-sound technology is a bold step forward.  Following a good example is wise.  Cutting energy expenditures creates a green filter; it saves the planet and money.

Tagged as: green building practises, Houston, sustainable, texas