We live in a more aware time. It’s now not acceptable, or even prudent, to ignore environmental concerns and issues related to sustainability. Whichever industry you work in, you should take these issues and use them as a cornerstone of your business. Doing so will work for you in many ways, be that from a self-promotional aspect to a more viable business model.
If you are thinking about starting a restaurant or already running one, then environmental concerns should be ingrained into your psyche. If they are not, then now is the time to take into account how you can manage your business more effectively AND help to protect the planet at the same time. It is entirely possible to do both as well as save money in the process.
In 2022 restaurants can use their approach to being more environmentally sound to leverage their business and help encourage custom. Here are some useful ways to help in that battle.
Seasonal Approach
Just because you can serve foods that are made with ingredients that are not in season doesn’t mean you should. Indeed, offering a more seasonal approach to your menu will mean that your customers are regularly faced with new options every time they come to eat at your establishment.
It keeps your kitchen on its respective toes and makes for a more sustainable approach to the restaurant industry, and every step we can take in that direction is one that is beneficial to us all.
Make Environmental Awareness Front and Center
As well as choosing to run your restaurant in a more environmentally friendly manner you could also make it front and center of your ethos. Perhaps that means hiring wait staff that is passionate and knowledgeable about the cause. It could mean your restaurant chairs are sourced from a local business and ethically produced.
It can be the driving force for your whole business, and this can certainly be a selling point when it comes to today’s diners who are as keen on protecting the environment as they are about just how delicious the meals you serve.
Consider Farm to Table Model
One very popular option when it comes to restaurants trying to adopt a more organic approach to their business is farm-to-table eateries. As the name suggests, this involves a restaurant developing a strong relationship with a local farm that provides the relevant produce.
This helps to reduce the carbon footprint that your business creates because there is less in the way of the transportation byproduct that is created. This has other additional benefits, including a restaurant being more aware of where their food comes from.
It’s a great option to consider just so long as a viable farm is in your vicinity. The model helps both the restaurant and the farm, and they can work in a symbiotic partnership that can be evident in your business materials. In other words, it’s an aspect you can push on your menus and website to help promote both parties.
Reduce Food Waste
One big issue when it comes to the environmental impact restaurants can have comes from food waste. Far too much of the overall food waste in a specific area comes from restaurants, and it’s something your business would do well to battle.
You might look to transfer your food in more ecologically sound ways, and this could involve a further relationship with your farm-to-table partners in the form of composting or food for their livestock.
Avoid over-buying stock and store it correctly so that it lasts longer. If you do have leftovers, you might consider giving this to relevant charities at the end of a day/night shift. One great way to educate yourself, and your staff, is to keep a waste journal, and that way, the subject of waste is always with you. Being more aware of the wastage makes it easier to plan and deal with the situation in as effective a way as possible.
Use Energy Efficient Appliances
As well as considering ways to source your food and the waste you inevitably produce, you should consider ways to run your business in an energy-efficient manner. Use appliances that are energy efficient. Look at ways to audit the energy you use. Reduce the amount of electricity you use. Reduce the amount of air-con you use by letting in fresh air (where possible).
Get your staff on board and make them aware of energy-saving opportunities wherever they may be.
Recycle
Try to recycle as much as possible. Whether that’s by reusing containers or using 100% recycled materials (perhaps for your menus or your toilet paper), there are hundreds of ways to recycle, and every little bit helps. As with much of what has been discussed thus far, a lot of these ways to make environmentally sound choices start with a sea change in the mentality of those who work within your restaurant. Make it a key part of your restaurant’s ethos, and there will be buy-in from your staff.
Every Little Bit Helps
It doesn’t matter how small the change is; every little bit of effort your restaurant puts into being sustainable and environmentally friendly is a step in the right direction. No change is too big or too small; it all adds up.