With Spring somewhere around the corner and ‘Always Sunny’ weather jokes ahead, the only thing on my mind is weekend brunches.

While you’ll never hear me to speak ill of my motherland of Ohio, I’ll admit that solid morning options are few and far between. Living the majority of my life eating strictly breakfast OR lunch, I’ve worked hard to make up for lost time. Further, how can you make your brunch as sustainable as possible?

A perfect brunch is the quickest way to my heart, and I can’t imagine keeping these tips to myself.

5 Ways to Brunch Like a Sustainable Pro:

1. Stay local. If you are blessed enough to be living in this fine City, there is no reason to leave your own backyard to find a decent Bloody-Mary, breakfast-sandwich, mason-jar serving establishment. They can’t all be Prohibition levels of perfection, but Philadelphia is every locavore’s dreams come true.

From diners turned hip, bars opening in the morning, or farms coming to tables, there is something for EVERYONE to enjoy.

2. BE PREPARED. Unless you and all of your friends work from home, you only have the weekend for a perfect brunch—which means you can’t afford to mess it up. I’m not suggesting to scour menus, scout locations, or write-up a strategic plan, but get a general feel of what you’re getting yourself in to.

Important details to ask yourself include:

• Is this place BYO?
• Will my vegetarian and vegan friends have more than to choose from than a tofu scramble?
• Should I arrive early to avoid a 2 hour wait?
• (And everyone’s worst nightmare) Is it cash only?

Get the answers and you’ll be well on your way to a smooth sailing food experience.

3. Make an adventure out of it. Yes, you COULD get in your car and drive, praying (to whomever) that you find parking. Why drive when you can hike, bike or SEPTA your way to the morning’s destinationYou’re saving carbon emissions by removing cars from the road.

With the carbs, cheese, and alcohol you’re about to devour (at least if you’re with me), exercising your way to and fro is an excellent justification for all those calories.

Protect the environment and my heart: don’t drive to brunch.

4. Keep track of your culinary voyages. If you’re ready to commit to this lifestyle, you’ll be up to your ears in recommendations, reviews, half-remembered meals, and semi-conscious directions to restaurants.

Start an adorable journal, keep your receipts in a box, leave a hashtag trail, or wait for my Brunch app (calling all coders, I’m serious). You’ll certainly find a few favorites that you can revisit when you’re feeling less adventurous or need a fool-proof plan to impress an out-of-town guest.

5. Curveball: Disregard steps 1-4 and stay home!

The best brunch is a home-cooked brunch. Pick the music, master the guest list and have complete control over your menu. Find a local grocer (Mariposa Food co-op for my West Philly Friends) that sells seasonal, farm fresh produce and carefully sourced ingredients.

Shoot for a zero waste brunch: Compost your food scraps. French press your coffee, Dig out the cloth napkins and use real dish-ware.

Perfect Brunch in Philly: Closing Thoughts

There are plenty more ways to green your brunch and still enjoy all of the mimosas, eggs beny, and endless homemade donuts (like the new and cute William Street Common) you can handle. Look for ways to incorporate your own shade of sustainable into this morning ritual and share!

Cheers my friends: to delightful meals, delicious drinks, exquisite company and charming decor.

Readers, what’s your favorite brunch spot? Tell us in the comments.

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Virginia (sometimes Beth) Cain is a Community Outreach Coordinator at Recyclebank. In her spare time, she brunches locally, relentlessly roots for Ohio sports, laughs at her own jokes and picks up litter with her bare hands. View all posts by Virginia Cain