The concepts of political correctness and a cheeseboiga don’t seem compatible. Oxymoronish maybe. But then there’s Burgerville, a fast food joint with sustainability at its heart. Go figure. 
If you’re traveling the I-5 corridor between Centralia, Washington and Albany, Oregon (also east on I-84) you can treat yourself to fast food that’s appropriately decadent, delicious and prepared with the environment and your body’s health in mind.
On a recent trip to and from Oregon we ate our on the road meals at Burgerville: cheeseburgers, sweet potato fries and espresso-mocha shakes. Food was good and the setting fit the image of an efficient, tidy FF joint with competitive prices, fast service, and play areas for kids. The comparison with other fast food restaurants ends there.
Signs outside and inside proclaim Burgerville’s intention; straws, cups, utensils are biodegradable; meat and produce are purchased locally; fries are cooked in trans fat free canola oil; attendants whisk away trash and separate carefully for composting and recycling; tent cards on tables describe what’s on the menu that’s seasonal.
So where are other sustainably-oriented restaurants? A few months ago we posted a piece about Elliot Bay Brew Pub and their attention to sustainable practices in their two bustling restaurants (check out their website). If fast food and pub establishments can do it, maybe others will follow. In the meantime, the small action we consumers can take is to spend our money there. Once in a while.
What are the other fast food and neighborhood eateries that are doing the sustainable thing? Let us know – we’re starting a list.
This quote is from Burgerville’s excellent website: When you choose Burgerville, satisfying your craving isn’t the only good thing that happens. You’re also contributing to the health of the region by supporting the use of fresh ingredients, local ranchers and farmers and sustainable business practices.
Entries(RSS)
and did you say the food was delicious? loved it all: the burger, the fries and the espresso shake.