Eco-friendly ideas you need to implement in your restaurant
‘Eco-friendly’ is the new buzzword on the street, and an increasing amount of consumers have become more aware of making a conscious decision to look after the environment.
Now more than ever, customers are more inclined to stop purchasing and associating themselves with products that can harm the environment; whether it is clothing brands, beauty or cosmetics, grocery stores and even restaurants. Consumers love being associated with brands and companies which are aware of the challenges the environment faces. More importantly, they want to purchase from companies which are doing their bit to help save the environment. So, if you want to make a difference in the food and beverage, read our tips below for implementations you can add to your restaurant right now.
Reduce your water wastage
Water is a scarce resource that needs to be used wisely.
Therefore, reducing the quantity of water your restaurant uses is the best environmentally-safe step you can take. The food and beverage industry uses a large quantity of water on a day to day basis that may potentially cause water stress.
But water usage isn’t the only problem; their processes also create wastewater. This is why your restaurant needs to have a mobile water treatment system. A portable water treatment unit will ensure that the wastewater goes through a water purification system that converts it into portable water. Water treatment solutions allow you peace of mind in knowing that the water your restaurant uses is purified before it went back into dams and rivers.
For a restaurant, a portable water treatment solution will ensure you’re covered during emergencies or when the need for short to medium-term use arises.
Lower energy consumptions
To be more conscious about energy usage, you need to conduct an audit. This is a survey that will indicate your electrical flow; where you have been using the most of your energy. You should have an audit done before you implement any changes, to ensure you know exactly what needs to be changed. Another way to reduce energy is to invest in equipment that uses less energy. For instance, opt for high-efficiency dishwashers and fridges.
Use eco-friendly cleaning products
Cleaning products are a need for any restaurant, but they can be harmful to the environment.
This is why you need to go through all your cleaning products and identify the toxic ones.
Although products that are eco-friendly may seem expensive, you can look around and do your research on affordable eco-friendly cleaning products you can purchase. Non-toxic cleaning products will make your restaurant safer, protect the health of your employees and staff, and eliminate pollution indoors.
Control food wastage
Food wastage is another issue for many restaurants, and throwing food away isn’t a solution. You should have a compost programme for the leftovers and break it down into a compost heap. But for the food you can’t use for compost, you can have recycled bins around your kitchen space. This will ensure the right waste will be discarded the right way.
Another way to avoid food waste is by reducing your stock orders on items that can’t be refrigerated. This will ensure that you use all your stock without any food going to waste.
Other tips are:
- Store and label food correctly.
- Use the FIFO rule (first in, first out).
- Maintain the correct temperature control.
- Keep stock inventory and take note of the expiration date.
- Donate leftovers to charities.
Educate your staff
Another way to become more eco-friendly is by educating your staff. A successful restaurant requires teamwork to run, and if your staff don’t know your intentions, your efforts will go unnoticed. Your staff won’t understand the changes, and might not follow new implementations, which takes your restaurant right back to where it’s started. Getting your staff involved will help embody a new culture, and encourage employees to go green.
Final thoughts
Going green is a trend that won’t be going away anytime soon. This is why it is so beneficial that your business is taking the first step, not only for attracting customers but for protecting the environment. Having mobile water systems, high-efficiency equipment and being conscious about your food waste are effective ways of ensuring your restaurant plays its part and abides by the environmental rules and regulations in South Africa.