How to Operate a More Sustainable Restaurant
The world is changing, and the restaurant industry is no exception. With more people looking to eat locally and sustainably, many restaurants have switched to eco-friendly and sustainable business practices.
5 Best Practices for a More Sustainable Restaurant
When incorporating sustainable dining into your restaurant, consider the environmental, social and economic impacts. Sustainable practices can help protect your bottom line and the environment — all while making your restaurant a better place for everyone involved.
1. Manage Waste
Food waste composes a staggering 24% of all municipal garbage in the United States. Managing waste at your restaurant is a great first step to reducing your overall environmental impact. Do this by recycling and composting food scraps, paper products and other materials as much as possible. You can also minimize the amount of packaging in your restaurant by using eco-friendly containers for takeout orders and serving dishes.
2. Choose Longer-Lasting Equipment
You have many ways to go green with equipment. Search for quality appliances with extended warranties and eco-friendly alternatives to standard equipment like refrigerators and coffee machines. Making the switch will save you time, funds and energy — and help keep your customers happy too!
3. Use Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Supplies
Traditional cleaners are chemical-laden and can be harmful to the environment, but many options available today feature nontoxic ingredients and consist of sustainable packaging.
4. Prioritize Water Conservation
With water scarcity developing into a growing concern, all restaurants should prioritize water conservation. You can find many ways to conserve water at your restaurant. Start with the basics — turn off the faucet when not in use, install low-flow taps in sinks and toilets, keep filters clean so they don’t waste water and monitor for leaks in pipes or toilets.
5. Ally With Like-Minded Producers
What goes on outside your kitchen is just as important as what goes on within. The more people who work together to improve our world, the better. By allying with like-minded producers and suppliers who share your commitment to restaurant sustainability trends, you can compound your impact and make larger strides toward a greener future.
Eliminate Food Waste With Baker Commodities
At Baker Commodities, we believe that “green” is more than just a buzzword — it’s a commitment to the environment and our customers. The team at Baker Commodities is dedicated to helping restaurants reduce their carbon footprint by minimizing food waste and protecting our environment for future generations. Contact us today to learn how your restaurant can follow more sustainable waste practices!