Mary Byrne
A local group scout troop has been doing its part to prevent climate change and make the oceans a safer place for the plants and creatures that call it home.
“I like that we’re saving the environment,” said Allie Firthbard, 9. “A little goes a long way, and a lot can go a little way.
Over the past few months, Firthbard and the third-grade girls in Belmont Brownies Troop 83211 have been stopping by restaurants and cafes throughout Belmont, inviting them to join the ranks of “ocean-friendly restaurants” across the United States. According to the Surfrider Foundation, which founded the program in 2013, Ocean-Friendly Restaurants are recognized for their commitment to making sustainable choices for the oceans.
In total, there are 573 Ocean Friendly restaurants in the country, including American Flatbread in Somerville and Forage in Cambridge. To meet this standard, the restaurants must use only reusable food ware for onsite dining; offer paper straws only upon request; not use expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam); not use plastic bags for takeout or to-go orders; offer single-use utensils, straws, condiments, and other accessory items only as requested; not sell beverages in plastic bottles; and follow proper recycling practices.
“I like when a restaurant is able to meet a goal,” said Mila Fernandez, 9.
The owners or managers at some of the Belmont locations Fernandez stopped at said they would be interested in looking at alternatives, which is why the girls have made return trips to several of the locations. Many have been receptive to the concept or expressed interest in making changes or finding new ways to do things, while others acknowledged some of the challenges in doing so.
“There’s a lot of plastic in the ocean,” Mila said. “The animals can get hurt, and we want the animals to be safer.”
According to troop leader Stephanie Buckler, the project is the troop’s “Take Action” project. The girls had to decide on a project that would lead to long-term change. It couldn’t have short-term impacts, such as cleaning up a park.
“We connected with a group called the Massachusetts Surfriders,” Buckler said. “They’re an organization statewide and nationally. They help improve our oceans. They have a lot of different things that they do. … We thought about the things they do and what might make sense for us. “
When they arrive at a location, the Brownies share a flier made by Buckler’s daughter, Girl Scout Devorah Buckler. The girls also created an educational video that they can share with anyone who is interested.
“Over the past three months, the girls have gone to 10 to 15 restaurants in town,” Buckler said. “They’ve gone multiple times.”
Katja Eskin, who has been to six different Belmont restaurants, said that she has enjoyed getting to be the one to talk to the people in charge— even as a kid.
“I learned that most people are trying to [be environmentally friendly],” Eskin said.
Baiwen Lie, 9, said that since she visited the restaurants with her troop, she’s started to notice which businesses use paper instead of plastic, which have recycling bins, and which don’t.
“It got me interested in something,” she said.
Buckler said she expects the girls to visit five to ten more restaurants before the end of the year.
“We really want other restaurants to come join us,” she said. “They get recognition on the national website– … for people who are looking for ocean-friendly restaurants.”
