Restaurants are exerting efforts to be more sustainable. It could be personal advocacy of the management. Or it could be heeding the call of the customers. Whatever the reasons are behind this endeavor, it is a positive step toward a better world. If you are a restaurant owner, here are the ideas that you can incorporate into your business.
Be Wise with Waste
Imagine the amount of fat and grease produced in a restaurant’s daily cooking. All these end up in drains. They can clog the sewer systems or affect water quality. Recycling animal fat by-products is an excellent way to help the environment. Instead of being a potential hazard, they can be turned into more useful products. Examples are animal feeds or biofuel. There are reputable companies that specialize in such recycling processes. Composting is another way to manage waste such as leftover food and peelings.
Waste is never a good thing. This is especially true where food is involved. Revisiting portions of your meals will help cut back on waste. Also, buying appropriate amounts of raw products will prevent spoilage.
Support Local Produce
Buying local produce translates to shorter delivery times. Thus, car emissions are reduced in great amounts. This simple act brings back immense benefits to the restaurant.
Fresh produce has more flavor. Also, because the raw ingredients are very fresh, preservatives are not needed anymore. This translates to a healthier plate. Customers will also get excited about the variety of food. The menu will adapt to what is in season. They will have something to look forward to. This is against having the same choices throughout the year. Lastly, local produce yields to cheaper costs.
Use Energy-smart Items
Lights have a great part in your electric consumption. Choosing LED light bulbs and investing in motion-sensitive lights will help save energy. If it is possible, install big windows that allow light and air to come in.
On fair days, you can even turn off the AC units for a time. Energy-efficient refrigeration will also help in reducing energy consumption. At the end of each day, make it a habit to turn off all the appliances as well.
Extend the Vision to the Staff
Sustainability of a restaurant cannot be a one-man effort. Making sure that all your staff is on the same page will help make your vision a reality. The simple act of closing the taps properly after use is an excellent strategy if everybody will do it.
Your chef must believe in the cause of cooking a seasonal menu. The front house staff should also be knowledgeable about the choice of produce. Armed with the right information, they can relay the details to guests better. These small acts make up a sustainability culture.
Look for Greener Substitutes
Going environmentally friendly can also be an avenue for creativity. Think of menus in recycled paper. Reclaimed wood and tiles can still serve a purpose for your establishment. This way, these materials will not go to landfills. Make your beverages look more attractive by serving them in glass Mason jars. These are some alternatives that are gentle to the environment. Also, they are aesthetically pleasing.
Sustainability in your restaurant helps cut costs and build a better reputation. Indeed, you cannot outgive nature. When you care for her, she nurtures you back.