Several Denver restaurants, including Snooze, the Avenue Grill, and Black Pearl, have pushed the city to the forefront of green dining. Last Friday, September 18, 14 restaurants belonging to the Denver Independent Network of Restaurants (DINR) kicked off the Greener DINR Partnership Program.

The yearlong pilot requires each restaurant to implement measures that will reduce the environmental impact of their operations. Each month the restaurants will focus on a different aspect of sustainability, such as recycling, energy, or water.

The Environmental Protection Agency, the Colorado Department of Agriculture, the City of Denver, and other agencies will provide the restaurants with technical expertise and help monitor the program’s progress. A complete list of participating restaurants and sponsors will soon be available at eatdenver.com.