By Charlie Hall, GDA program assistant and Gillian Garland, GDA program manager
As global warming intensifies, the need for sustainable eating choices has become urgent. Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impacts of their dining decisions, making sustainable practices crucial for restaurants. The Green Dining Alliance (GDA), a program by the nonprofit earthday365, is dedicated to promoting sustainability among food establishments in St. Louis, helping them reduce their environmental footprint and improve community well-being.
Since 2012, GDA has partnered with hundreds of restaurants, breweries, and food trucks, aiming to divert over 2,000 pounds of landfill waste annually. By 2023, GDA members successfully diverted over 13 million pounds of biomass from landfills, significantly mitigating methane emissions. The GDA’s efforts are essential, as traditional restaurant operations contribute substantially to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. Recognizing the pressing need for change, many chefs and restaurant owners are embracing sustainable practices. GDA assists these businesses in realizing the long-term benefits of going green, including cost savings and improved customer satisfaction. Certified restaurants
eliminate Styrofoam, implement recycling programs, and adopt energy-efficient practices, paving the way for a more sustainable dining experience.
The GDA also prioritizes environmental justice by providing grants that support sustainable transitions for restaurants. Programs like the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative help establishments switch to compostable or reusable products. The GDA even subsidizes certification costs for BIPOC-owned businesses, enhancing access to resources and training that promote sustainability. Additionally, the GDA offers grant-funded composting subsidies to members to promote food waste reduction.
The GDA’s certification process involves a thorough evaluation of restaurant operations, focusing on waste management, sourcing, water conservation, and energy efficiency. By encouraging innovative practices and community engagement, GDA fosters a culture of sustainability among both businesses and customers. Events like the St. Louis Food Waste Challenge , launched in 2023, exemplifies these efforts, educating staff and diverting significant food waste from landfills. The GDA is bringing this event back in 2024 and hosting a celebration for the participating restaurants at The Hall @ Olive + Oak on November 19th from 6-8pm. In just over a decade, the GDA has expanded from a pilot program with seven restaurants to nearly 100 current, certified members. This growth reflects a growing commitment to sustainability in St. Louis, connecting businesses with customers who value eco-friendly practices and building a community around responsible dining choices.
The Green Dining Alliance (GDA), a program of the nonprofit earthday365, is transforming the restaurant scene in St. Louis by promoting sustainable practices among local food establishments. Since its inception in 2012, GDA has certified hundreds of restaurants, breweries, and food trucks, focusing on reducing waste, energy consumption, and environmental impacts while enhancing the dining experience. The initiative supports not only ecological sustainability but also social equity, providing grants and subsidies to BIPOC-owned businesses. The GDA’s comprehensive certification process assesses various operational aspects, encouraging waste reduction, responsible sourcing, and water and energy conservation. Recent initiatives, including Food Waste Awareness Day, further highlight the alliance’s commitment to educating both businesses and the community about sustainable dining. www.greendiningalliance.org.