A excellent way to encourage and support sustainable food production is simply by being selective about where you choose to dine. It is good to only purchase seasonal produce from the regional farmers market, organic supermarket brands and study supplements to test for artificial preservatives and high sugar content. However, you'll be sabotaging your environmentally friendly efforts by continuing to eat out at restaurants that irresponsibly source their ingredients.

By simply choosing the food you eat in a restaurant, you are likely to change the food service industry into changing their ways and offering selections which are more eco friendly. In addition to a greener menu, go for restaurants that are conservative with energy consumption and have applied fundamentals of green sustainable architecture within their building structure. Check to also find out whether the restaurant treats their staff fairly before opting to dine there. Below are some more tips to assist you dine sensibly.

Organic menus - Choose restaurants that list items that are organic, free-range or grass-fed on their menus, in addition to mention the farm where it sourced its meat or vegetables. In most cases, this farm is going to be a tiny local outfit that employs responsible agricultural practices. This provides you with the peace of mind of knowing that you're dining on meat which was humanely raised, while also encouraging the tiny farms by eating local.

Sustainable seafood - Go for fish menus that include on the Environmental Defense Fund's "Eco-Best" list, such as Wild Alaskan Salmon, stone crab, catfish Pacific halibut or mussels and clams. Avoid feasting in restaurants that serve ad choices like sea bass, farm-raised Atlantic salmon, grouper or monk fish.

Sustainable restaurant architecture - Dine at restaurants whose buildings are designed and constructed using sustainable, energy efficient procedures which are environmentally responsible. Such restaurants are inclined to also feature organic, health-focused menus. Even if the restaurant hasn't attained certification like Energy Star or LEED, learn if they have taken any particular measures in their design and structure. These might include using energy efficient appliances and lighting, green cleaning methods and eco-friendly furniture constructed out of salvaged or reclaimed materials.

Go vegan! - In most instances, visiting a vegetarian restaurant ensures that you not only have to enjoy a healthy meal, but also dine in a eco-responsible environment concerning sustainable food selections, efficiency in energy and water consumption, green disposal methods, minimal use of chemicals and reduced pollution.

Community involvement - Eat in restaurants which play an active role in their local community by partnering around host local festivals, making donations to charitable causes and sponsoring kids' sporting events. This is a good indication that the owner cares about their neighborhood and desires the very best for its members. Always choose restaurants with a proven commitment to caring for the environment.