World’s first low carbon restaurant chain offers karma credits

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Otarian, a vegetarian fast slowfood restaurant chain, created by Pankaj and Radhika Oswal, an Indian-Australian billionaire couple, promises that "everything we serve is grown, gathered, sourced and prepared to make the least CO2 possible."

Otarian has two locations opening in New York City, the first on April 17, with two planned to open in London this June, reported Brand Republic, a British marketing site.

"Meat eating is creating bad karma and you are also creating a vicious cycle. It's destroying us environmentally, economically and socially. I'm putting my money where my mouth is. I've always been a vegetarian so I have always felt strongly about it," Radhika Oswal explained her vision to Asian News International (ANI).

Beginning on April 19, Otarian will offer eaters Carbon Karma Credits, a loyalty card to reward frequent customers for helping Otarian ‘save the planet.'

The menu includes a range of healthy, low carbon soups, salads, tacos, curries, burritos, portabella burgers, egg-free chocolate mousse, tarts and much more. Each item lists its carbon footprint in comparison to other similar food options. For location and menu details, go to: http://otarian.com.

Otarian may be trendsetting by showing consumers how what they eat impacts the environment but greening restaurants has been the key effort of the Green Restaurant Association. Visit their site to find certified green restaurants and what is involved for a restaurant to be 'green': http://dinegreen.com/customers/default.asp