FOX21's Meaghan Collier visits Pizzeria Rustica in Old Colorado City to learn about its sustainability effots.
Read more: Local, Business, Community, Environment, Consumer, Pizzeria Rustica, Old Colorado City, Sustainability, Green Business, Recylce, Compost, Pizza, Morning Show, Colorado Springs, Go Green
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- "I was a fighter pilot in the Air Force," Pizzeria Rustica owner Dave Brackett said.
So at what point, did Dave decide pizza was his true calling?
"We really missed the pizza in Europe."
And so to combat his cravings, he decided to open a little corner pizzeria in the spirit of those classic European establishments-- simple ingredients and great taste.
But Dave knew the place couldn't survive on bread alone.
His upbringing on a New England farm gave him the inspiration to build a restaurant that's virtually sustainable.
"We just made the decision from the beginning-- obviously, there are some limitations being in an 1889 building," Brackett said. "You can't do everything as well insulated as you like, but we did the best we could."
And when he says they've done all they can, he means it.
He means they've thought of everything. The tables are recycled- from an old restaurant. The wall decor-- his neighbor's delapidated fence.
"I'd say we have 80 percent less waste then a normal restaurant."
But sustainability doesn't stop there. An important element to this movement is supporting local growers and businesses.
Something the Pizzeria Rustica believes in whole-heartedly.
"People appreciate any business that uses sustainble practices," he said. "It's not a fad-- just something that everybody has to start doing."
Fad or not, the proof is in the pizza. Whether your enjoying some of the locally grown tomatoes and house-made mozzerella, or if it's the fact that you're sitting in a restaurant that has a smaller energy bill than most homes, you realize, Dave's probably on to something.
