Baja Fresh launches 'Earth Fresh' initiative

Baja Fresh launches 'Earth Fresh' initiative
Tags: Fresh Mex, Going Green
February 16, 2010

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill has announced its 2010 "Earth Fresh" initiative. Beginning in December of 2009, Baja Fresh introduced recycled napkins, paper bags, burrito wrapping paper, and biodegradable plates in eight restaurants, including their California locations in Cypress, Westlake Village, Simi Valley, Beverly Hills, Tustin Marketplace, South Irvine and Lakewood.

All Baja Fresh paper bags in the aforementioned restaurants now contain a minimum of 40 percent postconsumer material. Papers utilized also are not made with processed chlorine or its derivatives, and converted papers are FDA compliant.

The new plates are designed to disintegrate and biodegrade swiftly and safely in a professionally managed composting facility. The plates are certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute and the natural fibers with which they are produced are a byproduct of wheat harvest. The type of renewable resource is reportedly an excellent alternative to polystyrene foam and conventional molded fiber.

Additionally, the production and use of natural, unbleached burrito wraps versus bleached paper wraps have significant impact on the world's resources including:

46 percent reduction in waste water
21 percent reduction in wood pulp use
16 percent reduction in solid waste
10 percent reduction in green house gas production.

For every 1,000 tons of natural paper produced versus bleached paper of the same weight 6,089 trees will be saved, 15 full swimming pools of wastewater will be removed, and 13 garbage trucks of solid waste will be eliminated.

"Baja Fresh recognizes the importance of the earth's resources and our customers' penchant to conserve them. By offering our products in biodegradable, recycled, and recyclable packaging, not only are we meeting the requests of our guests, but also those of the environment," Baja Fresh president Charles Rink said. "We will continue to seek environmentally friendly solutions for additional products used in serving Baja Fresh menu items, and we look forward to the success of the current products in test. We hope to offer them companywide within the year."