Chiles Restaurant Group is Going Strawless
Reducing waste to support the environment and encouraging its customers to do the same, restaurants launch new “Skip the Straw” campaign
ANNA MARIA, Fla. (November 18, 2016) – The Skip the Straw campaign has now taken hold in Anna Maria Island. Last month, the Chiles Restaurant Group joined the campaign and will now only give biodegradable straws to customers upon request.
Joining the initiative for a sea of change, one straw at a time, the program was implemented at its three waterfront restaurants – Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant in North Longboat Key, Beach House Restaurant in Bradenton Beach, and Sandbar Restaurant in Anna Maria – turning its concern about the effects of plastic pollution on the oceans and land into action.
According to Sarah Kollar, Project and Outreach Specialist for Ocean Conservancy in Washington, D.C., “Straws are one of the top ten items collected during cleanups thanks to the volunteers who collect data during the annual International Coastal Cleanup.”
“When it comes to being environmentally conscious, most of us don’t think twice about the disposable plastic straw,” said Restaurant Group owner Ed Chiles. “Hopefully by communicating our actions, we will raise awareness regarding plastic pollution and its impact on the environment.”
The Chiles Restaurant Group is making significant strides in its efforts to be “plastic-free” and have implemented Single Stream Recycling in all three locations. This includes the introduction of a plastic cup alternative made exclusively of a commercial food grade cornstarch product which is completely biodegradable unlike many other industry options. Other eco-initiatives include the elimination of all foam containers, saltine cracker wrappers and other non-biodegradable products normally associated with Food Service operations. Next steps include the introduction of a complete line of eco-friendly “to go” containers and reusable packing crates for produce and seafood.
Chiles’ restaurants will communicate its environmentally responsible actions through local restaurant marketing in the form of green messages designed to engage, educate and encourage its customers to join in their sustainable efforts to “Skip the Straw.”
“As we ramp up our efforts to reduce our plastic footprint, we hope we can encourage others to do the same,” Chiles added.
The new initiative comes from the Last Straw Challenge started by Ocean Conservancy to target plastic product consumption. People can sign up to pledge to “Skip the Straw”. Together 25,000 people can save 5 million plastic straws from entering the ocean and filling the landfills in just one year.
Building on its efforts to engage and educate the community, Chiles Restaurant Group is proud to join with marine conservation and rehabilitation centers and like-minded sustainable businesses to reduce the use and waste of disposable, non-essential plastics.
More information on the Chiles Restaurant Group “Skip the Straw” campaign and other eco-initiatives can be found online, at http://www.islanddining.com.
ABOUT CHILES RESTAURANT GROUP
The Chiles Restaurant Group, consisting of the Sandbar, Beach House and Mar Vista Dockside restaurants, offers toes in the sand, waterfront dining, serving farm to fork, gulf to table and pasture to plate locally sourced and sustainable menu items in spectacular settings with uncompromised customer service. The Sandbar and Beach House and its affiliate, The Studio at Gulf and Pine offer unique venues for events and weddings. With customized menu items, exceptional planners and breathtaking views, these venues are ideal for any occasion. For more information on The Chiles Restaurant Group, visit www.islanddining.com or call (941) 778-8705.
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