According to Nation's Restaurant News, a new study indicates "green" restaurants may have a competitive edge:

"In an online poll of 2,014 adults conducted late last month by Harris Interactive, 73 percent of respondents said they still buy "green." Of those, only 8 percent said they've reduced their green purchases because of the down-trending economy, while 26 percent reported that they are buying more green products and services. The remainder of respondents said they are buying about the same amount as before.

The poll also found that restaurants that operate in an eco-friendly manner may win more consumer traffic. The study offered participants a scenario of two restaurants identical in food, service and price, but Restaurant A had a green focus while Restaurant B did not. Seventeen percent of respondents said they would choose eco-friendly Restaurant A even if the wait time was longer than it was at Restaurant B. An additional 21 percent said they would visit "green" Restaurant A if the wait times were the same."

To read the rest, go here.