Seattle, Washington—From the day they opened their doors, Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzerias have believed in total commitment – from adherence to the strict VPN standards that respect the tradition of true Neapolitan pizza making to the reduction of waste and energy saving practices, in both a community and global sense. For the 40th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, Tutta Bella Sustainability Manager Erik Cain and Stone Way General Manager Joyce Morinaka are planning to shed more light on green practices by handing out energy saving light bulbs to every party who dine at the Stone Way location of the restaurant (supplies are limited). Donated by partner Seattle City Light, the city utility company is also supplying conservation literature. In addition, the restaurant will ask guests to expressly request water by the glass as they dine on Earth Day, so as to avoid waste of our challenged natural resource.
From 100% recyclable and compostable take-out containers to “to-go” cups, lids and straws that are made from a fully compostable corn based material, just about everything at Tutta Bella is recycled and composted. With an eye to energy and water conservation, the restaurants are also active members of Seattle City Light’s Neighborhood Smart Business Program and the Green Ribbon Commission’s Seattle Climate Partnership. From mid-April through the end of May, Tutta Bella will be involved in another green event – Cedar Grove’s Compost Days.
As for Erik, the company’s Green Program Director, he not only talks the talk, but he also walks the walk. Growing up on a farm in Eastern Washington, he was raised to respect the earth and makes it a daily practice to reduce his personal carbon footprint. With a focus on water, Erik is constantly looking for ways to reduce usage, waste and conserve. He made a conscientious decision to bike to work every day and lives on a sailboat, which makes a small impact on the environment. His other focus is sustainability and with that in mind, he is on a waiting list for an urban p-patch where he will be able to grow food for his table, reinforcing his choice to eat local, seasonal foods.
Founded five years ago by Joe Fugere, Tutta Bella was Seattle’s first Vera Pizza Napoletana (VPN) certified Neapolitan pizzeria. In addition to pizza, menu items include calzone, antipasti, signature salads, house-made desserts and gelato.
Tutta Bella has grown to four locations: the original in Columbia City and three others located in Stone Way, Westlake and Issaquah. While green practices are observed at all locations, only the Stone Way restaurant will be participating in the energy saving light bulb and conservation literature give-away.
Columbia City 4918 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle 98118 (206) 721-3501
Issaquah 715 NW Gilman Blvd., Issaquah 98027 (425) 391-6838
Stone Way 4411 Stone Way North, Seattle 98103 (206) 633-3800
Westlake 2200 Westlake Avenue, Suite 112, Seattle 98121 (206) 624-4422
