I know that I am a bit late with this video, but I enjoyed it so much that I thought I would share it again. I watched it a few weeks ago when it hit YouTube and became fairly popular.  Unfortunately I have to admit that I had never been to a Chipotle before this video. Many of my friends had talked about how much they loved Chipotle but not being a die hard Mexican food or fast food fan in general I never felt the pull to visit a Chipotle. Then I saw the following video.

Beyond how downright cute this video is and how awesome Willie Nelson cover Coldplay’s “The Scientist” was the video stands out for its message alone. I had not realized that Chipotle was so dedicated to organic and local food. So I decided to do some research to see if they were just greenwashing or really making a commitment.

Not only is the company committed to sourcing all their food from local and organic suppliers, but they have now created The Chipotle Cultivate Foundation to work with producers, farmers, and ranchers to expand the production of healthier and more natural foods. I have to say, I was downright impressed with Chipoltl and also disappointed that I have never heard about their sustainability goals until now. Most companies that I look at only approach sustainability from the surface for PR reasons. Well Chipotle has ingrained it in their business model and is working to expand their goals beyond their own company. To me this is an impressive feat that will garner them more support than any greenwashing would have.

Also disapointing me? That I had never tasted one of their supposedly fantastic tasting and good for the environment burritos before. So I set out to rectify that problem, and lo and behold it was delicious. I look forward to seeing what Chipotle does next with its impressive goals, and I look forward to more burritos in my future.

Here’s a few of my favorite articles I discovered:

http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/22844

http://www.good.is/post/the-ethical-burrito-chipotle-makes-fast-food-nation-sustainable/

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/oct/13/business/la-fi-chipotle-20111013