The South Carolina Aquarium is passionate about protecting wildlife and wild places, and another step is being taken to protect our beautiful environment and ocean. The Aquarium’s eatery, the Sea Turtle Snack Bar, recently became Ocean Friendly Restaurant Certified. The certification is through the Charleston Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, a local nonprofit grassroots organization working to combat pollution. As a response to increased plastic pollution in the coastal zone and ocean gyres, the Ocean Friendly Restaurant program was formed. It works to eliminate EPS foam foodware (aka Styrofoam) because it’s a top item found at local beach and marsh cleanups. Restaurants must also meet other criteria, including proper recycling practices, reusable tableware used on site and no plastic bags offered for takeout or to-go orders. Lastly, restaurants must choose an additional three criteria, including plastic straws provided only upon request, in order to become certified. You can take a look at the criteria and learn more about the Ocean Friendly Restaurant program here.

We are thrilled the Sea Turtle Snack Bar is now Ocean Friendly, and we challenge every restaurant in Charleston to follow suit! Collectively, we can all have a positive impact on the environment, ultimately protecting wildlife and wild places!