NYS Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Publishes Green Hospitality Workbook

ALBANY, NY (06/08/2011)(readMedia)-- The New York State Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NYSRAEF) announced today that it has published the Green Hospitality Workbook which highlights up-to-date effective green strategies to help New York State restaurants continue to help lead the way on sustainable environmental practices.

The New York State Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's (NYSRAEF) Green Hospitality Initiative (GHI) developed the guide utilizing a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 2.

The workbook is a compilation of proven green practices from restaurants and state programs around the country, focusing primarily on energy, water and hazardous chemical use. In addition, there is information on other green practices including waste management, composting and the latest green technology affecting the restaurant industry, as well as case studies on restaurants adapting green strategies.

According to GHI Project Director Alan Someck, "The purpose of the workbook is to provide operators easy access to very effective and profitable green strategies using affordable short and long term investments that yield significant returns. Due to the nature and long hours of the business, the restaurant industry has considerable environmental impact. Our goal with the GHI is to be a positive environmental force while at the same time supporting the business success of restaurants."

"NYSRAEF has long worked hard to help our Members integrate sustainable practices into their operations," said NYSRAEF President Rick Sampson. "This guide offers simple, straightforward strategies for any establishment to be more green and in-turn, increase attractiveness to today's guests."

In addition to the workbook, the GHI sponsors free restaurant trainings on profitable green practices approximately every 6 weeks in New York City. Further information on downloading the Green Hospitality Workbook for free and specifics about upcoming training schedules can be found by visiting the GHI website at www.nysraef.org/greenhospitalityinitiative

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Contact: Alan Someck, NYSRAEF,

516.448.1504, asomeck@gmail.com

The New York State Restaurant Association, founded in 1935, is the leading business association for the restaurant and hospitality industry in New York State. Comprised of more than 56,000 restaurants, bars, clubs, New York restaurants represent more than 628,000 employees and sales of approximately $27 billion - making it the cornerstone of the economy, career opportunities and community involvement. Along with the New York State Restaurant Association and New York State Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, NYSRA and its chapters work to represent, educate and promote the rapidly growing hospitality industry. For more information, visit our Web site at http://www.nysra.org/.