Restaurants throw out a great deal of food every day, with much of it coming from diners' own unfinished plates. According to a report from Reuters, one Australian restaurant is trying to change that. Chef Yukako Ichikawa, from the “guilty free Japanese restaurant” Wafu, charges 30% more to any patrons who don't finish all of the food on their plate. Her goal is not one based on snobbery, but rather, a desire for sustainability. Says the menu, “Finishing your meal requires that everything is eaten except lemon slices, gari (sushi ginger) and wasabi. Please also note that vegetables and salad on the side are NOT decorations; they are part of the meal too.” Customers at Wafu can order take-out, though they are required to bring their own re-usable containers.

While this meal penalty could make for some upset customers, it is for a noble cause. Let's just hope they don't start implementing the rule at El Tepeyac, or we'll all be in pretty big trouble.

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