Green Sanctuary News

We were very impressed to read in the Detroit Free Press about the first restaurant to be certified GREEN in Southeast Michigan by the Green Restaurant Association. It is Amici's Pizza & Living Room on Twelve Mile Road in downtown Berkley (248-544-4100). The owners, Maureen McNamara and Jennifer Stark, found that it was not an easy task to make their restaurant more environmentally friendly. But their efforts have paid off, with even employees and customers saying they are now paying more attention to waste and recycling. To receive certification, the restaurant halted use of styrofoam (because it lies in landfills for centuries without decomposing), switching to clear cups and containers from Greenware, made from biodegradable cornstarch. They also switched to napkins made from recycled paper, made without chlorine bleach. Amici's carryout menus are now printed on recycled paper with non-toxic soy ink. Their new flatware, called Tater Ware, are made from potato starch. Getting curbside recycling was a real challenge, but with the aid of SOCCRA, they found a contractor who cheerfully works with them.

We think they merit a visit to see what it's all about. They serve gourmet pizzas, along with salads, sandwiches and creative cocktails. The website for the product is www.taterware.com. Greenware is made in Kalamazoo by Fabri-Kal Corp. at www.f-k.com. Geenware is also available at GFS.

If you have questions or comments, please contact Julia Petro or Joan Olds.

Committee Overview

The green sanctuary committee is responsible for expanding awareness of the environment and our individual footprint on it. This committee is to be a vehicle to integrate our responsible consumption with simplicity circles and a wide range of church activities that demonstrate and celebrate our spiritual, biological, and physical connectedness to the earth.

This is just a flavor of our interests and activites. We welcome anyone with similiar leanings to join us. Our meetings are held the third Monday of each month at 7PM.