A lot of people eat potatoes. But a Charlotte business has customers using them as forks.

the busy lunch crowd uptown files into Something Classic Cafe at the Mint Museum. The organic lettuce isn't the only thing that’s green.

“The average caterer in Charlotte throws away 175,000 plates per year. Can you imagine what those plates would look like?” owner Jill Marcus said.

The plates are not getting tossed into the trash. They're recycled, along with the usual items.

But this business take things a step further. All boxes are made from recycled paper. Plastic utensils are replaced by forks made from potatoes and cups made from corn. And Marcus buys produce from local farms to cut down on transportation.

She also donates money to develop renewable energy sources like wind and solar power to offset her electricity usage.

This environmentally-conscious business is part of a growing trend in Charlotte. Other restaurants like Mert’s Heart and Soul and Harpers are making similar efforts. Marcus said it's smart business that she hopes will inspire the busy workers uptown.

“Later in that day, with the paper you use at work, maybe you will recycle. Maybe carpool that day. We want to be a reminder to everybody what they could be doing with their lives,” she said.