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It's no secret for Triad area greenies: This region -- either by perception or reality -- tends to lag behind Asheville, Portland and other cities when it comes to the adoption of socially and environmentally responsible business practices (something local groups are trying to remedy), and restaurants are no different. 

I mean, how many Greensboro or Winston-Salem restaurants can boast of their ecological footprint ,and serve Fair Trade coffee, use alternative fuels or invest as much creative energy in its vegetarian or vegan dishes as their meat-heavy entrées? 

But let's be fair. Green eateries are probably the exception, not the rule, throughout the U.S. Many people hope to see that change.

The Environmental Defense Fund and other organizations recognize that restaurant owners can be leaders in the green movement. The national organization partnered with Restaurant Associates to develop "Green Dining Best Practices" that incorporate everything from non-toxic cleaning supplies to composting food scraps and purchasing antibiotic-free meat. And the "No Net Cost Challenge" aims to help companies improve their business practices in an affordable way. 

Steps restaurants can take include: 

* Purchasing from local farms and using efficient modes of transport to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; 

* Increasing low carbon menu options and choosing products that are grown without the use of antibiotics designed for humans;

* Purchasing coffees, teas and chocolates through rigorous certification programs that promote habitat protection and organic growing methods;

* Switching to washable, reusable serviceware and increasing the recycled content and recyclability of “to-go” containers; and

* Using cleaning solutions approved by credible third parties and limiting the use of toxic cleaning chemicals.

Are Triad area restaurants and dining providers doing these things? That's where you readers come in. I would like to compile a list of Triad companies that have taken steps to go green, but I need referrals from the public to get started. This would not be a scientific assessment or attempt at a layperson's certification program. I only want to provide information that will assist readers in finding restaurants that better suit their values. 

E-mail me morgan.josey@news-record.com if you know of a company you are impressed with - be it a large franchise or "mom and pop" restaurant - that has incorporated or plans to implement several of these strategies.  I will include them in my new "Green Eats" blog feature an online map.