The city has named the first establishments in town to earn its Green Seal, which recognizes eco-friendly businesses around town. Restaurants, breweries, food trucks, and markets that show a dedication to minimizing waste are able to apply for the recognition. Heirloom Restaurant, Viva Chicken, and Free Range Brewing are the first Green Seals in the city.

To determine whether a place has earned the seal, applicants are asked about their efforts in the categories of waste management (do you use recyclable packaging? compost?), energy and water conservation (energy efficient appliances? rain barrels for gardens?), pollution reduction (organic cleaning products?), and commitment to the community, which takes into consideration buying locally and donating to events. If your point total at the end meets the minimum, you earn the seal. Restaurants who are awarded the Green Seal are also given one to three crowns, denoting their level of sustainability.

It’s no surprise to see Heirloom on the list; owner Clark Barlowe is dedicated to sourcing locally and minimizing waste. Heirloom Restaurant sources only from within the state. Barlowe earned three crowns from the city, the highest recognition.

NoDa brewery Free Range Brewing composts and uses energy efficient fixtures throughout its taproom. It’s also bike-friendly.

Viva Chicken donates their unconsumed foods to shelters, and also delivers its food using energy efficient vehicles, which combined with other conservation methods earned the four locations three crowns.

Learn more about the program or apply for recognition on the city’s website here. —Kristen Wile

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