Sure, lots of Toronto restaurants are promoting their “locally-sourced” foods these days, but how many can actually claim to be a certified “eco-friendly” restaurant?
Just one. Parkdale’s Cowbell.
Cowbell was named Toronto’s first green restaurant after a comprehensive evaluation by LEAF (Leaders in Environmentally Accountable Foodservice), a third-party organization that certifies restaurants based on their environmental impact.
Not only does Cowbell source most of its food from within a 200 kilometre radius, but even the restaurant’s décor is made up of secondhand and salvaged items.
Cowbell owner Mark Cutrara said it was an honour to receive the certification.
"It is a testament to our dedication to sustainability, as referenced through our locally sourced food choices and day-to-day business operations," he said in a press release.
LEAF certification is based on the following ten areas of sustainability:
- Food purchasing and menu items
- Supplies
- Energy use
- Water use
- Building and location
- Furnishings and decorative items
- Chemicals
- Waste and recycling
- Employees
- Policy and Innovation
