Sustainability is a lifestyle choice which is fast growing in popularity as people venture towards ensuring that their homes and businesses are run using environmentally safe goods and services, and consciously ensure that they reduce their overall levels of waste. From recycling to using energy-efficient lighting, there are a number of things which a business or restaurant could do in order to ensure that they produce and emit less waste, and serve customers in a manner which brings in profits without contributing towards environmental pollution.
Saving Energy Is the First Step to Being Sustainable
It is natural that a restaurant will consume considerable energy, keeping in mind that the kitchen is filled with appliances which use a lot of energy. However, it is possible to switch to appliances which function efficiently and consume less energy, while having a certification which states that these choices are saving energy. It is also a good idea for a restaurant to consider investing in fewer appliances as part of a move to reduce the overall energy consumed within a kitchen space. The choice between running a dishwasher only when it is full, as compared with when it is only half-full, will save both water and electricity. Restaurant owners will also be happy to benefit from vastly reduced electricity bills.
Within the dining space at a restaurant, switching to energy saving lights and using bulbs with less wattage will also enable both diners and restaurant owners to enjoy comfortable ambient lighting. The additional reduction in electricity bill will also be beneficial for the owner.
Saving energy and reducing electricity consumption has the dual benefit of enabling the restaurant owner to be environmentally conscious while also saving money.
A number of restaurant owners are also switching their source of electricity to solar power. This involves a moderate investment in solar panels and convertors, which will then enable owners to generate electricity without the fear of incurring repeatedly high bills. The decision to opt for solar power for the entire restaurant will enable owners to stop paying for electricity since they will be generating their own, and will be consistently sustainable.
Solar-powered cookware will also ensure that energy is saved, and is a onetime investment with the benefit of long-term sustainability.
Reduce Water Wastage
Making conscious decisions pertaining to water will enable earth-friendly restaurant functions. Water wastage is common in restaurants as half-consumed glasses of water are thrown out instead of being used for other purposes, for example, watering plants. Training restaurant staff to be more conscious of their behaviour towards water will enable a consistent and sustainable approach to follow while working. Due to the constant flurry of activity in a restaurant kitchen, it is often common to find open taps which have not been closed after use; simply installing taps with detectors which will turn them on and off depending on whether a hand is located, will save money. It will also enable busy kitchen staff to work efficiently and appreciate the benefit of having an automatic tap which does not require opening or shutting. For restaurant owners who are tired of paying water bills and water tax, this decision will not be regretted.
Dishwashers and other appliances can be used when they are completely full in order to save water in order to save both water and energy.
Reducing Garbage Is a Matter of Social and Professional Responsibility
While it is natural that restaurants will have a lot of garbage to get rid of on a daily basis, a few steps can be taken to ensure that the production of daily garbage is reduced as much as possible and that certain types of waste are used or recycled accordingly.
One of the first steps to take is to install a colour-coded recycling bin set, in which different kinds of material such as glass, paper, and liquid or food waste are placed. Once the garbage has been collected, it is possible to use the food and liquid waste as part of a compost-making process; subsequently, in a related context, a restaurant could have its own herb or mini-garden in which it can grow its own fruit and vegetables. It is important to recycle as much as possible and to engage with the closest recycling centre on a regular basis.
It is also a good idea to use only environment-friendly things within the restaurant space in order to reduce garbage. An example of this involves avoiding the use of plastic water bottles at tables, and using glass bottles instead. A number of restaurants have chosen to upcycle old wine and alcohol bottles for the purpose, and this has turned into a sustainable and environmentally-friendly trend.
Going Organic is a Responsible Choice with Many Health Benefits
The decision to go organic will vastly impact a restaurant on multiple levels and will reduce purchases and subsequent garbage. The first impact will be in the form of a healthier menu with greater nutritional benefits, which will surely impress customers and might even usher in more patrons who will appreciate the boost in health benefits. The next impact will be in the form of reduced garbage as restaurant owners will not be buying as many bulk quantities of tinned or tetra pack encased food and will, therefore, have less to throw away.
The use of fresh, non-GMO ingredients and the optional decision to grow herbs and other ingredients within the restaurant space or on a rooftop garden are measures which will ensure that restaurant owners are conscious and committed towards being as sustainable and health conscious as possible.
It is a good idea to look into the various things which one could do in order to make a restaurant function in a responsible and sustainable manner. The experts at Stalbridge Linen discuss how to make your restaurant more sustainable and are a great place to begin the process of educating one’s self on the various tried and tested sustainability plans, which have resulted in cleaner, greener, and environmentally-sound restaurants.