Good health food isn’t the only reason to head to Rochester’s Mind, Body & Spirits (MBS). Owner Mike Plesz and wife Missy Plesz, a former public school teacher, are working to educate local youths about why their restaurant is important to their health and the community.
“Here at Mind Body & Spirits we believe it is our responsibility to help educate children and young adults about the importance of sustainability and local Organic whole foods. We accomplish this by hosting FREE field trips for schools and various organizations,” explained Mike.
Educating local youths is a personal commitment for Mike and Missy. They were motivated by their daughters who were interested in the environment, and health issues they were learning about in school. Mix together Missy’s educational background, two inquisitive kids and Mike’s desire to make MBS a organic and sustainable restaurant, it only made sense to start a program called, The Inspired School.
During a tour of MBS students will learn about the restaurant’s eco-friendly/recycled materials used in the renovation of the 100+ year old building, as well as the extensive recycling and repurposing programs including the bio-digester that turns all of our food waste into a nutrient rich soil fertilizer. “Being that we are a certified Organic restaurant, we like to explain to the students how Organic farming is important to our environment and our bodies” Mike said. MBS is Michigan’s first certified Organic restaurant.
Students will also learn about harnessing solar energy in many forms, from the PV (Photo Voltaic) solar panels that power the building, to the solar hot water panels and passive solar in their greenhouse. Students will have their curiosity peaked when learning about the rain water collection process and the onsite biodigester which takes the food scraps and turns it into organic fertilizer. Perhaps one of the most exciting parts of the tour is when students learn how the restaurant is heated by a geothermal heating and cooling system.
MBS currently has a partnership in place with the Rochester Community School district. Mike and Missy worked with the district to make sure the field trip/tour match their environmental science curriculum objectives. “In our opinion, it’s very important for all members of a community to work together, including schools and local businesses, said Mike. “Together, we can make our community a great place to be”.
MBS also encourages students from other area schools, scout troops, and environmental clubs to come take a tour. To schedule a tour for your youth group go to http://www.mindbodyspirits.com or contact Missy Plesz at mbsschool@me.com.
MBS is located at 301 South Main Street in Downtown Rochester. For questions or reservations call 248.651.FOOD (3663). MBS also offers on-site events and catering. Contact Annette Chapman, Catering Director at 248-789-9885 or via email at: annettembs@sbcglobal.net for more information.
Connie Lilley, Contributing Writer, GreeningDetroit.com
Connie has a degree in Journalism/Public Relations from Madonna University and is Green Advantage Environmental Certified
