When bragging is OK

Friday, May 22, 2009 - 4:02 p.m.

OK, so generally I don't like braggarts. I don't like to brag, and I don't like others that do so either. I will make an exception, though, for establishments that tout their green behavior.

On my trip to Oregon a few weeks ago, I visited several restaurants and bars that proudly displayed their eco-accomplishments on the menu, on a wall, on their beers ... wherever it suited them, really. And I'm not talking about the stupid things companies often brag about--recycling they're required to do by the city, for example. I'm referring to actual actions that are helping the environment, an example of which can be seen in this photo of a menu at BridgePort Brewery in Portland.

Oh, and this patting oneself on the back thing refers to places that support charitable organizations too--brag all you want. You're doing something that's good for the community.

In a world where advertising executives try to come up with ways to manipulate us into wanting/needing to buy a product, its sometimes hard to know what you support and what you've been convinced to support.

And, yes, it's true that places that put their green accomplishments out there are winning me over with words like "local," "energy efficient," and "compost."

But at least it's something I can stand behind.