Green Food Pioneers

Although the idea of green food may conjure up memories of "Green eggs and ham" from Dr. Seuss for some people, the term "green food" currently has taken on a whole new meaning. In fact, the food industry has finally taken on the initiative to go green in their practices. From Quiznos to McDonald's to Starbucks, companies selling quick food and drinks have also decided to take steps to invest in the earth's long term environmental sustainability.

Perhaps the leader in green food industry practices, McDonalds' has been committed to taking care of the planet for many decades. Their partnerships with the Environmental Defense Fund and other eco-friendly organizations show their dedication to the earth. Additionally, their latest efforts to be green include the opening of McDonald's USA first corporate-owned pilot green restaurant in the summer of 2008-an accomplishment which earned the corporation the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification in the spring of the following year. A second green McDonald's restaurant was constructed in North Carolina in 2010, and green systems have been implemented in the already existing McDonald's corporation headquarters as well. Outside of the United States, McDonald's has also built innovative green restaurants in Canada, Germany, Brazil and France.

Quiznos, a more recent addition to the green food industry, has also been stepping up to the plate and batting for the environmentally friendly team. Their "Eat toasty, Be green" campaign launched in 2010 with their introduction of 100% compostable wax-coated paper cups and plastic lids composed of 30% post-consumer recycled PET bottles. Additionally, the catering lunch boxes were made greener through the introduction of boxes made from 100% recycled paperboard, 35% of which was post-consumer cardboard.

Starbucks, another long-time-member of the go-green club, has continued their dedication to helping the environment. Their napkins made from recycled materials are just the beginning of the Starbucks green story. Investing heavily in finding a solution to creating 100% recyclable coffee cups for all customers, this company has committed itself to offering only these recyclable cups by the year 2012.

Overall, the impact on the environment of these major food corporations is monumental, and when such organizations decide to go green in their practices, everyone benefits. From donating to organizations dedicated to caring for the environment to researching sustainable resources for their own products, to raising awareness for other green practices, these food companies are setting quality examples for all of their customers.