New York: Top Green Joints for Earth Day Dining

Happy Earth Day! Time to jump on the bandwagon and make a couple of conscientious decisions that will make up for the fact that you're a lazy, meat-eating oaf who leaves the water running whilst brushing his teeth the other 364 days of the year. So where to begin? By now you’ve already googled "eco-chic" and "organic" and it’s left you hopelessly confused! All of these certifications and standards -- it feels like someone is pulling the eco-friendly wool over your eyes. So let's make this easy. Here’s a short list of GRA-certified New York restaurants that will shrink the size of your size-13 carbon footprint today. These restos are certified green, and like Kermit once said, it ain’t easy. Once joining the GRA program, restaurants must use a comprehensive recycling program, must never use Styrofoam products, and complete four "Environmental Steps" a year, like using biodegradable or tree-free products and energy-efficient lighting.

● Dirt Candy (East Village) - It just sounds healthy, doesn’t it?
● Vento Trattoria (Meatpacking District) - Modelized girls dining here are more into their stilettos than Mother Earth, but what they don't know won't hurt 'em, unless the planet blows up.

● Rouge Tomate (Midtown East) - Not only are they GRA-certified, but they also use greenmarket ingredients.
● Wildwood Barbeque (Gramercy) - The South may bring to mind big diesel trucks with a Confederate flag on the back window, but at least this southern-style BBQ joint is diesel free.
● Boat Basin Café (Upper West Side) - You’ll feel even healthier hanging outside, if the pollution levels on the Hudson are low today.
● Dirt Candy (East Village) - It just sounds healthy, doesn’t it?
● Del Posto (Chelsea) - Eco-friendly never tasted so good, thanks to Mario Batali’s sprawling Italian resto.
● Eletarria (Greewich Village) - The interior may look recycled too, but that isn’t what gives it the GRA certification.
● Blue Water Grill (Union Square) - Net a bounty of MILF and cougar attention at the bar with your extensive knowledge of the GRA program.
● Dos Caminos Soho (Soho) - Is your new green approach to eating making you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, or is it the fifth margarita?