Since I don’t cook, I can’t source my own local and organic ingredients, but I do eat at earth-friendly establishments that do all that good stuff for me. Gusto Organics not only uses all USDA certified organic ingredients in their food, they’re also certified by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York and the Green Restaurant Association. The standards are tough: Gusto runs on wind energy, solar lighting, and water conservation equipment, just to name a few of their green measures. And their bar? Yup, it’s also organic — and Skinny. A glass of organic wine will save you 300 calories per drink over a cocktail like a margarita.

The vibe inside the restaurant is welcoming and energetic. The entire place was built with recycled wood and eco-friendly materials — the menu is even printed with soy ink. And wait ‘til you taste the food. Serving items that appeal to carnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike, Gusto is bound to have something that strikes your fancy — unless you’re a seafood lover. Because there are no organic certifications for fish yet, Gusto steers clear of it.

When I go, I usually order a few side dishes as my appetizers. I think they’re more exciting than a salad and healthier than an empanada (330 calories and 14 grams of fat). My favorites include the String Beans & Tomato Sauce and the Grilled Veggies. Sometimes I'll order the Grilled Eggplant Pizza on a Whole Wheat crust (for an extra $1, the whole grains are worth it) to split with a friend. For an entree, I enjoy their steak (a great source of iron and vitamin B12, organic and lean), which I either add to the Arugula, Tomato, Onion and Avocado Salad (dressing on the side) or eat straight up in the Filet Mignon Dinner. Another favorite? The Homemade Turkey Meatballs — served without pasta, it’s a meaty, saucy taste without the carb overload. Of course, if you’re craving pasta, they’ve got that, too. And you can create your own: Try whole wheat fusilli, penne, or spaghetti, stick to the tomato basil or primavera sauce, add chicken, steak, or tofu, and sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese (20 calories for 1 tablespoon).

Get a group together, and help change the world one delicious meal at a time.

Other green restaurants to try:

Le Pain Quotidien lepainquotidien.com
For organic baked goods, sandwiches, and soups head to this European chain. With locations across the country (and the world), there’s bound to be one near you!

Restaurant Nora noras.com
Bite into a delicious meal at Nora’s in Washington D.C. and you’ll be eating from the nation’s first certified organic restaurant.

Burgerville burgerville.com
A lunch and dinner chain that runs on sustainable practices, uses locally grown food, and is both adult and kid friendly? You betcha. Burgerville figured out a formula, and spread it through the Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver areas.

Wilshire Restaurant wilshirerestaurant.com
If you’re looking for fine dining in L.A., stop by this famed spot to enjoy a high-end green meal.

Ben & Jerry’s benjerry.com
When you’re craving ice cream, get a scoop (small, of course!) from this environmentally-conscious company, which has released a social and environment assessment report every year since 1992!