The Environmental Coalition of South Seattle (ECOSS) is launching a unique program aimed at local restaurants in effort to shrink their carbon footprint by getting them to Go Green. Through the Go Green Challenge ECOSS is looking for 25 family owned restaurants in SeaTac, Tukwila and White Center to compete in a 30 day going green challenge.

Among the areas being suggested for improvement are simple changes like moving to composting to reduce landfill waste, cleaning parking areas to reduce pollutants going into storm drains, purchasing recycled products, checking toilets for leaks to reduce water usage, turning off lights when possible, and buying local products. ECOSS points out that an average restaurant uses 300,000 gallons of water per year and approximately 2 and a half times the energy per square foot of other commercial buildings.

Participating restaurants will receive a "Getting started package" and a road map on four different areas of focus plus a detailed poster on how to be more environmentally conscious. ECOSS is urging that owners work with their staff to conserve resources and cut costs. In the package will be CFL’s (compact fluorescent light bulb) aerators, and more to help conserve resources and cut costs. Restaurants will also receive:

• Spill prevention assistance & free spill kit on request
• Assistance in submitting rebate applications for equipment upgrades
• A chance to win a free PR campaign highlighting their success

The program is completely free and interested restaurants can contact Stephanie@ecoss.org (or) 1.206.767.0432 with name, restaurant name, phone number and address before November 25th.

ECOSS will be translating material in Spanish and can provide assistance in other languages upon request.

The poster will come laminated, with a pen to hang for staff comments, suggestions and actions. Additionally- owners and/or managers will receive a one pager on easy ways to reward staff on conserving resources and reducing pollution. The one pager will also summarize cost savings and rebates available for equipment upgrades.