Raising Your Fork To Support A Greener, Organic Future

It makes perfect sense that Denmark -- currently generating 16% of their power supply via renewable energy such as wind -- is slated to host this year's United Nations Climate Change Conference. Their distinction as being one of the European Union's most committed environmental stewards is clearly rooted in the fact that they continue to take a progressive alternative energy stance along the pathway of what they intend to be a fully sustainable future.

Here are just a few of the eco-friendly efforts that they make on a regular basis:

• environmental taxes reward conservational efforts
• 1/3 of all Copenhagen residents commute to work via bicycle
• largest per capita consumer of organic foods in the European Union
• 21% of Denmark's energy will be generated via renewable sources by the year 2011 (that figure will raise to 30% by 2020)
• No landfills in Denmark -- instead, they burn all waste in order to generate heat and power

In keeping with the push for a perpetually greener way of life, an entirely organic restaurant called BioMio recently opened its doors in Copenhagen’s Vesterbro meat-packing district at the beginning of 2009. Some of the highlights of the eco-friendly food establishment include:

• energy-saving bulbs throughout entire restaurant
• kitchen heat recycled and distributed via induction ventilators
• sustainably harvested oak tables
  
• staff members wear Fair Trade organic cotton uniforms
• Soaps and detergents on site are certified non-toxic
• 50% of menu is seasonal, sourcing locally produced meat and veggies whenever possible
• German-made dishware was sought out for its eco-friendly properties
• All cuisine is predominantly vegetable based
• All food and beverages are certified organic

Do you know of any other entirely organic restaurants that exist around the world? How about dining establishments that seem a little more green than their conventional counterparts? Would you please let everyone here know what they're doing that stands out the most in your mind? Are you willing to spend a little more money to patronize these type of places?