The Subway franchise has made a commitment to have its restaurants and operations become more environmentally friendly. The first "eco-store" opened in Kissmmee, Florida five months ago and there are more US locations due to open.

In addition to some individual stores going green, Subway has also made some overall changes that will help the environment. Here are just two examples:

Subway now offers napkins with 100 percent recycled materials. The Result: An estimated savings of 147,000 trees annually.

Subway switched their cutlery and drinking cups from polystyrene to polypropylene. The Result: An estimated annual resin savings of more than 610,000 pounds and saves the equivalent of 13,000 barrels of oil.

Opening a "green" Subway will also put more "green" in the franchisee's pocket. These eco-stores are designed to reduce energy costs which will decrease a franchisee's expenses. Although these franchises cost more to open, Subway estimates these eco-store franchise units to save much more money over time.