Perk On Main Recognized for 'Green Efforts'

Perk On Main is being recognized for its environmental ethic.

The popular cafe in Durham was one of 19 recipients of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's GreenCircle Award, which recognizes businesses and individuals who make "a real difference in preserving natural resources and protecting the quality of the state’s air, water and lands."

"We were really excited to win the GreenCircle Award. The award was accepted by Grace on behalf of our entire staff at Perk on Main and Perk on Church (in Guilford), who I hope feel proud of themselves for their daily diligence and efforts," said owner Katie Hughes.

The cafe allows customers to sort their own food waste, cups, packaging and paper napkins, which is sent to a facility in New Milford where it is eventually composted, turned into mulch and sold.

"The actions of our award winners makes Connecticut a better place for all of us to live and work in everyday,” said DEEP Commissioner Daniel Esty.

At Perk, environmentally perferable products, known as EPPs, are always on the menu and include items like the restaurant's popular fair trade, organic coffee. 

Hughes also buys 100 percent renewable energy, primarily from wind, to run the restaurant at 6 Main Street.

"We have no right to operate our restaurants without concern for the impact we are making on the environment, and trying to minimize that impact is just simply fun," she said.

Click here for a complete list of this year's GreenCircle Award recipients.