Going green — or making environmentally conscious business decisions — is all the rage these days. But in many cases, launching a full-fledged environmental campaign means spending the green.

And with fewer resources at hand, smaller businesses may feel they don’t have the means to make a difference.

Sticky Rice doesn’t buy it.

What it does buy is recycled paper products and to-go containers, which it uses across the street at its take-out location, Sticky Togogo.

But just about anyone can afford recycled materials these days. Here’s the kicker: Sticky has an advanced recycling program of its own — carefully discarding reusable waste into a separate recycling dumpster out back. That’s right. Not a recycling bin. A dumpster. And that’s no easy task when you’re talking about hundreds of corrugated cardboard boxes, bottles, cans and other recyclables each week.

Few restaurants in Richmond have done the same, according to Sticky Rice General Manager Lander Salzberg, who has been with the restaurant for about four years.

And while recycling certainly adds some time and frustration to restaurant employees’ jobs, Salzberg wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Everybody’s gotta play their part,” he says with obvious conviction.

And he practices what he preaches. Salzberg rides his bicycle to work every day, having sold his car a while ago. In fact, whether the staff have influenced the restaurant’s policies or whether the restaurant attracts environmentally friendly staff is unclear. But most staff forgo the fuel in exchange for free transportation on two wheels. As an added bonus, it not only saves money and the environment, it also saves room for customer parking in the free lot around back.

The green doesn’t stop there. Sticky also sends its cooking grease away to be recycled into biodiesel fuel. Even the restaurant’s waste doesn’t go to waste.

While it may not be the primary impetus, companies often benefit from communicating their eco-friendly acts to customers. But Sticky Rice hasn’t been shouting their “gone green” news from the rooftops. Instead, it has simply made some important internal changes to lower its carbon footprint and increase sustainability.

This attitude of social responsibility seems to resonate with customers, who tend to be fan hipsters and young professionals donning suits by day and vintage Adidas by night.

Sticky’s environment consciousness is in alignment with its general vibe: both hip and trendy as well as issues-aware and community-oriented.

The fan community is important to the restaurant, which is hopping with local regulars who enjoy a different activity every night.

Mondays and Fridays bring half-priced sushi. On Tuesdays, karaoke starts at around 10. The place fills up quickly, and sensitive singers should be wary of the gong. A DJ mixes soul-on Wednesdays, and Thursdays bring blingo — or speed bingo. There’s trivia on Sundays and, of course, a house DJ on the weekends.

And the food is also a highlight. Sticky boasts great sushi — especially unique, creative rolls. Although ask around, and you’ll hear most often about the bucket of tots. Nothing says delicious Asian fare like tater tots. Okay, maybe not, but they’re darn good and highly reminiscent of carefree elementary school days.

Customers also seem to love the fact that PBRs are always $2.50, unless it’s raining or more than 100 degrees outside. Then they’re just a buck each. 

With great food, a fun atmosphere and a commitment to honor the environment, Sticky Rice is the kind of restaurant customers can feel really good about adding to their list of favorites.

Did you know? Celebrating one year shy of a decade in Richmond, Sticky Rice is growing the family. A brand new Sticky Rice opened this year at H and 12th in Washington, D.C. 
Sticky Rice | 2232 W. Main St. | 804.358.7870

Kudos to Sticky Rice!  Especially considering that people would probably still go there for the tots and PBR if they were dumping toxic waste out back.  Not me, mind you, but certainly others…