The Austin Business Journal, Austin, Texas, presented its Green Business Award to chef Jimmy Mitchell. Mitchell, formerly of Rainbow Lodge and The Valley Oaks Food and Wine Center at Fetzer Winery, received the award in recognition of his green efforts, "From the Earth to the Table and back to the Earth" restaurant recycling program.

Less than a year ago, Mitchell hung up his toque to open Restaurant Recyclers to help restaurant kitchens in Austin recycle their cardboard, tin, glass and food waste, which he turns into compost. Mitchell says he plans to bring Restaurant Recyclers to Houston within the next 12 months.

For more information about Restaurant Recyclers or chef Mitchell, visit www.restaurantrecyclers.com.