Eateries at University of Winnipeg Now Certified for Sustainability
Leaders in Environmentally Accountable Foodservice (LEAF), a non-profit national third-party certifier of sustainability for foodservice establishments, announced today the expansion of its eco-certification program into Winnipeg with five foodservice establishments receiving a Level 2 designation for their efforts to operate sustainably.
“We do as much as we can to serve people and the planet, which also supports the broader University goals of developing healthy communities,” says Ben Kramer, executive chef, Diversity Food Services, at the University of Winnipeg.
Diversity Food Services, which operates Pangea’s Kitchen, Elements – The Restaurant and Malecón at The University of Winnipeg, received LEAF credits for purchasing 65 per cent of its ingredients locally with more than 50 per cent coming from within 100 kilometres. The facilities also offer Ocean Wise sustainable seafood, biodegradable food containers, low-flow water fixtures and all lighting provided by LEDs.
LEAF continues to expand across the country as more diners demand to know where their food comes from and how it is prepared.
“We are proud to now offer LEAF in Winnipeg where we can support the local restaurants that have and continue to make great inroads in lessening their environmental impacts,” says Janine Windsor, president, LEAF.
LEAF certification is based on the following ten areas of sustainability:
1. Food purchasing and menu items
2. Supplies
3. Energy use
4. Water use
5. Building and location
6. Furnishings and decorative items
7. Chemicals
8. Waste and recycling
9. Employees
10. Policy and Innovation
Consumers can recognize LEAF-certified restaurants by the blue and green LEAF stickers indicating the level of certification, along with other promotional materials, and the LEAF website, www.leafme.ca– 30 –
About LEAF
Established in Calgary in 2009, LEAF is a non-profit organization that helps restaurants reduce their environmental impact and makes it easy for diners to identify green restaurants. The organization provides a benchmark to measure the environmental sustainability of foodservice establishments in Canada and fosters sustainability by working with the community to support the local economy. Our mandate is to bring people together, not only in the foodservice industry, but farmers, producers and consumers as well, to work towards a more sustainable, less wasteful foodservice industry. Consumers can recognize LEAF-certified restaurants by the blue or green LEAF decal indicating the level of certification, along with other promotional materials on and offline. Website: www.leafme.ca Twitter: @LEAF_Canada Facebook: L.E.A.F.
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