People are becoming more aware of the environment. Sustainability is permeating every area of a person’s life. Restaurants are not exempt from this concept. Customers favor establishments that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. The restaurant industry is responsive to what people want. Here are some ways restaurants can integrate sustainability into their operations:
Being Mindful of Food Waste
Restaurant owners make compost pits. These are where they put their biodegradable waste instead of garbage bins. Examples of such are eggshells and fruit peelings. They also use fixtures such as superior commercial sink strainers. This is to prevent food debris from clogging the drainage or polluting the water sewage.
The kitchen staff adds the food debris to the compost pit, too. Some restaurants are revisiting the portions of their meals. Some customers order food that they cannot finish. Restaurant owners and managers are also reconsidering their marketing schedule. Along with this, they are checking the number of raw ingredients that they buy. This is to prevent spoilage or over-ripening. All these strategies help the environment while cutting their expenses, too.
Promoting Reusable Utensils
The use of bamboo or steel straws as alternatives to plastic ones is becoming a trend. Some restaurants forego the use of straws. Tissue paper is also replaced with table linens. Landfills are filled with Styrofoam cups and food containers. Restaurants respond to this predicament by using glass dinnerware. Some restaurants use mason jars for their beverages. They are minimizing waste and making an aesthetic statement with their drinks.
Choosing Local Suppliers
With local suppliers, restaurant owners cut the need for long-distance deliveries. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions from cars. Also, there is a guarantee of the freshness of the produce. Since it is sourced locally, they do not need to store it for a long time. This practice saves energy. Customers are also delighted to know that what they are getting are fresh products. Some restaurants even grow their produce. Given that they have an extra patch of earth within their vicinity. This scores points from customers.
Practicing Energy-efficient Ways
Some restaurant owners now choose LED lights to provide lighting for their restaurants. These types of lights have a longer life span yet use less energy. Motion-sensor lights are also good investments for the bathrooms. These fixtures will automatically turn off in the absence of motion. Thick windows give proper insulation. This helps reduce energy to cool or heat the restaurant. Electrical appliances such as refrigerators and air-conditioning units should have a periodic cleaning schedule. When these appliances are full of dust, they need to work double-time. This results in a waste of electricity.
Looking at Ways to Conserve Water
Cleanliness is imperative in restaurants. Water is essential to ensure that the establishment is meeting this need. Washing dishes and maintaining a clean bathroom depend on the usage of water. The good thing is that restaurant owners can conserve water without compromising cleanliness. Low flow spray valves control the water flow for dishwashing purposes. Water-saving techniques can also be used in the toilets. Also, servers must be instructed to only give water upon the request of customers. Every drop of water counts. Any effort done to conserve it is a big help.
Restaurants are heeding the demand for sustainability. It may feel like more for the satisfaction of the customers. But in the long run, the advantages gained by these restaurants are evident. They save on their expenses and gain a stronger customer base. Also, they develop a sense of pride that they are part of something bigger.
