Tuskers Restaurant Earns National Certification as a Leader in Green Practices
July 15, 2015
Zoo’s Eco-Friendly Eatery Recognized by the Green Restaurant Association
COLUMBIA, SC – Riverbanks Zoo and Garden announces that Tuskers Restaurant has been recognized as one of the greenest dining establishments in South Carolina by the Green Restaurant Association (GRA)—a national non-profit founded in 1990 to advance green practices within the food service industry.
The GRA recently named Tuskers a 3 Star Certified Green Restaurant® following a rigorous evaluation process to determine environmental responsibility. The nearly year-long assessment covered a variety of criteria:
- Chemical and pollution reduction
- Disposables
- Energy and water efficiency
- Sustainable food
- Sustainable furnishings and building materials
- Waste reduction and recycling
Tuskers currently holds the highest ratings of just three 3 Star Certified Green Restaurants® in the state and is the only GRA-certified green restaurant in the Midlands.
“This is an incredible achievement,” said Laura Caster, general manager of Service Systems Associates at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “Not only is this honor a first for Riverbanks, it also is a testament to the Zoo’s significant and ever-expanding role in conservation.”
Service Systems Associates (SSA) began as Riverbanks’ exclusive culinary and retail partner in February 2013. SSA operates all dining and shopping establishments in the park as well as the Zoo’s catering and hospitality division.
A breakdown of the GRA’s evaluation and certification process as well as additional information on the organization’s standards for endorsement can be found at www.dinegreen.com.
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About Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
For more than 40 years, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has connected individuals, families and groups with the world’s wildlife and wild places. Riverbanks is a special purpose district governed by the Riverbanks Park Commission, which consists of seven members, two appointed by Richland County Council, two by Lexington County Council, two by the City of Columbia, and one jointly by the three entities. It is the mission of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden to foster appreciation and concern for all living things. Riverbanks Zoo is located at 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210. The Botanical Garden entrance is located at 1300 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia, SC 29169. The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Admission is $13.95 for adults, $11.50 for children ages 2 – 12 and free for children younger than 2. Group rates and other discounts may apply. Year-round membership packages are also available. For more information, call Riverbanks at 803.779.8717, visit www.riverbanks.org or www.facebook.com/riverbankszoo.
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