Earth Day, observed on April 22, is celebrated as an anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970 and a day to focus on issues affecting the planet. Restaurants are taking advantage of this occasion to offer something for their eco-conscious customers and to highlight the sustainable practices they support. See some Earth Day promotions below.
Just Salad
In the spirit of Earth Day, Just Salad’s latest sustainability initiative is its Unlimited Salad Bowl — a green reusable bowl, priced at $99, that entitles the buyer to one free salad every day throughout the month of May. After May, customers can use the bowl to receive free toppings when they visit a store.
The New York-based fast-casual concept announced this limited-time offer April 16 and made only 100 of the bowls available. The exclusive item sold out within a few hours.
But the Unlimited Salad Bowl is not the only way Just Salad reduces plastic consumption. The chain implements an incentivized reusable bowl program all-year-long.
For one dollar, customers can buy a blue bowl at any store and receive two free essential toppings or one free premium topping or a cheese each time they bring their bowls back.
“Just Salad saves over 75,000 pounds from plastic from hitting landfills every year, which is a statistic we can all be proud of,” said CEO and co-founder Nick Jenner in a release.
Just Salad operates over 30 units across New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Chicago and international locations
Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar
A Whiskey Cake location in Plano, Texas, will throw a huge Earth Day Festival on April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will involve live music, mimosas and a booth to promote the Last Straw Movement, which is dedicated to reducing plastic straw use with biodegradable options.
The restaurant will also host multiple eco-friendly vendors who will sell goods including plants, seeds, goat cheese, honey and plant-based health products. There will also be booths for puppy adoptions and information on solar panels.
#platefortheplanet
Chefs and restaurateurs have been posting photos of their plant-based dishes on social media with the hashtag #platefortheplanet to raise awareness for climate change in honor of Earth Day.
Fig + Farro in Minneapolis conceived and kicked off this digital movement. The restaurant’s mission is to “educate diners on how plant-based diets can help reduce our impact on the environment,” according to a statement on April 5.
Those who participate in the movement can also nominate other chefs or restaurants to share their own #platefortheplanet photos by tagging them on the post. Notable figures in the restaurant industry, like Fabio Viviani, NRN’s 2018 MenuMasters Innovator of the Year, and Suzanne Goin have recently participated on Instagram.
State & Allen Kitchen + Bar
This week, the Dallas spot has been hosting an Earth Week Beer Fest, showcasing beers from breweries that employ green and sustainable practices. The event began on April 16 and will run through Earth Day on April 22.
Ross & Hall Kitchen + Beer Garten
On April 22, Ross & Hall, also in Dallas, will host a drive in which customers can recycle their old electronics — including phones, cords, flash drives and monitors — and receive a 15-percent discount on their food and a small plant.
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