Ocean Friendly Establishments is a community-led certification program that recognizes local businesses for their efforts to protect ocean health. Certified OFEs have demonstrated at least one major way of reducing single-use plastics. This includes serving straws only on request or eliminating plastic bags, styrofoam, or plastic packaging material. Many OFEs have committed to several more eco-conscience practices. These include composting, sourcing locally, providing vegetarian/vegan menu items, proper recycling, water conservation, participating in litter cleanups, and more!
Ocean Friendly Establishments is a partnership with Plastic Ocean Project inc. and NC Aquariums. CCRW coordinates the Crystal Coast and Topsail chapters.
Consider visiting an OFE to support their efforts. Find the list HERE.
If your restaurant or business is interested in becoming a certified Ocean Friendly Establishment please contact:
Crystal Coast: Rebecca Drohan- RebeccaD@coastalcarolinariverwatch.org
Topsail: Jan Farmer- TopsailOFE@gmail.com
Download applications:
OFEs receive promotions on all CCRW outreach platforms. OFEs are preferred vendors for CCRW events and are offered several partnership opportunities throughout the year.
You can join the plastic-free movement! Customers can leave these cards behind at their favorite restaurants to encourage more businesses to become Ocean Friendly.
