(New York, N.Y.) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $69,500 to the New York State Restaurant Association Educational Foundation to help New York City restaurants support sustainable practices and prepare for the impacts of climate change, such as storm surges.

"Pollution prevention is some of the most important work being done to protect the environment," said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. "This project will help restaurant owners reduce food waste and reduce the use of pesticides and chemicals, while also conserving energy and water. By taking steps to eliminate waste at the source, New York City restaurants can become models for sustainable practices."

The grant will build upon previous EPA-funded grants to educate restaurant owners about preventing pollution. Under the grant, the New York State Restaurant Association Educational Foundation will work with New York City restaurants to reduce their water and energy consumption; cut back on their use of hazardous materials for cleaning or pest control; and reduce the risk of releasing hazardous chemicals during a storm or catastrophic event. The New York State Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's education and outreach programs provide trainings, as well as informational brochures and webinars. Additionally, a green restaurant handbook will be made available to restaurateurs.

The focus of this project will be restaurants in communities that are highly susceptible to flooding, including Red Hook, Brooklyn, and The Rockaways. In addition to training New York City restaurants, The New York State Restaurant Association Educational Foundation will share information learned with restaurants in Puerto Rico through its partnership with the Puerto Rican Restaurant Association.

This grant to the New York State Restaurant Association Educational Foundation is part of the approximately $5 million in grants the EPA awards each year to prevent pollution across the nation.

For more information on the EPA's pollution prevention program, visit http://www2.epa.gov/p2.

Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eparegion2 and Facebook at http://facebook.com/eparegion2.

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