Can Doing the Right Thing for the Environment Be Good for Business?

For the Surfrider Foundation, the answer is “Yes“! The Surfrider Foundation’s Ocean Friendly Restaurants program does just that – one restaurant, one customer at a time.

So, What Makes a Restaurant an Ocean Friendly Restaurant?

1.  Only reusable foodware is used for onsite dining.
2.  Paper straws are provided only upon request.
3.  No expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam is used.
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.

They May Also Adopt Practices Such As:

• A discount is offered for customers with reusable cups, containers, bags, etc.
• Vegetarian/vegan food options are offered on a regular basis.
• All seafood is ‘Best Choice’ or ‘Good Alternative’ as defined by Seafood Watch or certified as sustainable.
• Water conservation and pollution mitigation efforts are implemented.
• Energy efficiency efforts are in place.
• Concessions and pre-packaged food items are not sold in plastic packaging. 
• Composting efforts are in place for food waste. 
• Neither single-use plastic nor bio-based plastic containers are used for takeout or to-go orders, reusable containers are preferred. 

Some of these practices are already mandatory for restaurants in SLO County, under laws like SB 1383 and AB 1276. Your restaurant is probably already on its way towards becoming an Ocean Friendly Restaurant! 

Ocean Friendly Restaurants in San Luis Obispo County:

Luna Red
1023 Chorro St
San Luis Obispo, CA

Novo Restaurant and Lounge
726 Higuera St
San Luis Obispo, CA

Beerwood
690 Santa Maria Ave
Baywood-Los Osos, CA

Mizazur
1365 2nd St
Baywood-Los Osos, CA

Robin's Restaurant
4095 Burton Dr
Cambria, CA

More restaurants are being added so check back often.
Want to register your restaurant? Learn how to participate here *