Going Green: Morristown Saves 333K Gallons Through New Dining Program

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Morristown just proved that small bites can make a big environmental difference.

Last month, a coalition of local leaders and businesses made a major environmental impact through the Eat for Impact initiative. The effort was spearheaded by 25-year-old community advocate Raizzi Stein, who introduced the program to Morristown to promote a healthier, more sustainable food system by expanding access to plant-based options across the community.

“As someone who has lived in Morristown my whole life, I know how much this community values connection, innovation, and sustainability," Stein said.

Eat for Impact took place in cities around the world this spring — from Los Angeles to Rotterdam, Abuja, and right here in Morristown. The initiative aimed to expand plant-based options while supporting local businesses and driving climate action.

By showing that sustainable meals could attract new customers and enhance community engagement, Stein made a compelling case for restaurants to join the movement. Participating restaurants included Baklava Café, Central Taquería, Chef Fredy’s Table, Enzo Restaurant & Pizzeria, Parkside Tavern, Portofino’s Restaurant, South + Pine American Eatery, Sushi Lounge, The Address, and The Famished Frog.

The participating Morristown restaurants created special plant-based dishes, and the initiative tracked their environmental impact.

The results show that the Morristown Eat for Impact campaign potentially saved:

• 25,631 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions (equivalent to driving across the U.S. and back nearly five times)
• 93 acres of land (enough to grow vegetables to feed 2,000 people for a year)
• 333,000 gallons of water (enough for one daily shower for nearly 43 years)

Additionally, the initiative achieved impressive results, including:

• $39,616 in total estimated restaurant sales
• 26 climate-friendly specials created
• 1,190 ‘Eat for Impact’ specials served
• 124,619 in-person and digital impressions

Six participating restaurants have committed to making lasting changes by offering more climate-conscious, plant-based options. These commitments include adding plant-based specials to their regular menus, clearly labeling 100% plant-based dishes, and removing upcharges for plant-based substitutions, officials said.

"With this, we estimate that the Morristown restaurant partners will save an additional 540,000 lbs of greenhouse gasses every year with their ongoing plant-based commitments," officials said.

Restaurants participated at no cost and were provided with a window cling to showcase their involvement. Stein also ensured that wait staff were trained on the initiative and how to promote plant-based dishes to customers at the table.

Stein’s "Eat for Impact" initiative was backed by Planted Society, an organization dedicated to promoting sustainable food systems globally, and the New Roots Institute, which equips the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed to end factory farming.

"‘Eat for Impact’ is an opportunity for all of us to support our local restaurants while taking meaningful steps to reduce our environmental footprint—one delicious meal at a time. I couldn’t be more excited to bring this initiative home, and I can’t wait to see Morristown come together to make a difference,” Stein added.