When we first decided there was a need for a Georgia Green Dining Guide, we hoped that there already was one. We like our leisure and would have appreciated being able to access someone else's research to guide us in selecting eateries that were environmentally friendly. Sadly, we couldn't find anyone who was doing such a guide. We would have to do it ourselves and hope others would join us in the effort.

Happily, our search brought us to the website of the Green Restaurant Association (GRA). The GRA is an organization that works to help restaurants (which they say comprise a shocking 10% of the U.S. economy) to develop and maintain sustainable practices.

The GRA site helped us to broaden our views about good environmental practices. There is a lot more to it than using compostable take-out containers!

Yes, the GRA does have its eye on the Styrofoam. But here's a more comprehensive list of concerns they watch for.

• Energy efficiency and conservation
  
• Water efficiency and conservation
  
• Recycling and composting
  
• Sustainable food
  
• Pollution prevention
  
• Recycled, tree-free, biodegradable and organic products (like our take out trays)
  
• Chlorine-free paper products
  
• Non-toxic cleaning and chemical products
  
• Green building and construction

Restaurants that follow the practices of recycling and are Styrofoam-free can earn certification as a green restaurant, display the award to attract environmentally aware clientele and be listed on the GRA website. Not to mention they can just feel darn good about themselves for doing the right thing.

The GRA also endorses products that adhere to the guidelines set by the organization. For instance, they list brands of chlorine-free toilet paper and more energy-efficient hand dryers. Individuals as well as institutions could benefit by knowing about these products.

Finding this site has raised our awareness of green practices, so we'll start looking for other evidence that restaurants are doing right by the environment and we'll be spending our green with the ones that are.

Happy eating!