7 Sustainable Practices to Adopt in Your Restaurant

Sustainability is one of the popular trends in the restaurant sector right now. Restaurant sustainability refers to how restaurants reduce their environmental effect by tackling issues such as sustainable farming, carbon footprint, supply chain shortening, food waste, packaging, water and energy use, recycling, and more. Consumers want to know that the food they eat is sustainably sourced, and that the restaurants where they dine are doing their best to minimise the environmental impact of their operations.

Restaurant sustainability entails not just participating in environmental activities, but also allowing consumers to contribute to these beneficial efforts. People nowadays do choose where to eat depending on a company's beliefs. It gets the most out of their money and lets them feel like they're making a difference. There are a variety of ways to make your restaurant's operations more environmentally friendly, and they don't all have to be expensive. Here are 7 cost-effective ecological measures you may use at your restaurant:

1. Manage your waste 

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General waste, also known as landfill waste, is the most expensive type of waste for restaurants, therefore you should look for ways to reduce it. Glass and cardboard should be recycled, and packaging should be returned to your suppliers to be reused. Urge your suppliers not to send anything in styrofoam boxes. You'll lessen your carbon footprint and your recycling bill if you don't have to dispose of the packaging. Consider the environmental impact of the packaging when selecting takeaway and delivery containers, and choose compostable materials. 

Make sure you have enough bins to handle all of your recyclable waste, whether it's tin, glass, plastic, or cardboard. Also, make sure that everyone understands how to separate it if necessary. If there is anything that isn't covered, talk to your waste collectors. You may be surprised to learn that they can recycle other forms of garbage as well.

2. Reduce the food waste

The food waste generated by restaurants in India is estimated to be over 67 million metric tonnes per year. The fact that landfills are practically bursting at the seams is putting a big burden on our world. Furthermore, transporting and processing trash has a significant carbon footprint. Poor supply management and menu portioning are frequently blamed for restaurant waste. With care and consideration, each of these issues can be readily rectified. As a result, you should review your menu and the portions you provide for each dish.

3. Assess your cleaning materials

Professional cleaning products contain chemicals that contribute to water pollution and smog, as well as having an impact on animal life. A relatively simple way to reduce your restaurant’s negative impact on the Earth is to use more environmentally friendly cleaners. Fortunately, today's market is flooded with green cleaning products, several of which are powerful enough for commercial use. In the bathroom, you can also use biodegradable soap.

Because of the popularity of sustainable cleaning products, many of them are comparable in cost to the products you may already use. You may also be able to negotiate the price for more expensive products if you buy them in bulk. While this modification will cost a bit more, it is a simple one that will help to protect the environment. You can also use natural cleaning methods instead of chemicals, such as steam cleaning floors and carpets, vinegar, lemon, tea tree oil, and so on.

4. Increase the efficiency of your supply chain

Another sustainable method is to shorten your supply chain. Long-distance transportation not only raises product prices, but it also generates an excess of carbon emissions that are harmful to the environment. Examine your supply chain and see whether it can be localised. Not only will this increase your chain's visibility, but it will also appeal to many customers who want to support local companies and communities. It has the potential to increase the quality of ingredients as well. As a result, your guests may be even more pleased with their dinner, making them more likely to recommend and return.

Use reused and recyclable materials instead of non-recyclable packaging. If your restaurant also offers home delivery, for example, do rid of any cling film used to cover food, as well as any single-use plastics and polystyrene boxes. You could even incentivize clients to return used containers by offering them a monetary reward if they do so.

5. Invest in energy-efficient products

Consider whether your restaurant's appliances and equipment can be replaced with environmentally friendly alternatives. Keep an eye out for products that have an energy star rating. They are an investment, even if they are more expensive than non-eco products. You might even find that you save money on your energy bill in the long term. If you can't afford to purchase new appliances, open windows on nice days to prevent using heat or AC, identify energy leaks in faulty appliances, clean condenser coils on refrigeration equipment. Getting the best, most efficient appliances are preferable and can save  water and electricity over time; however, there are easier ways to save energy and water.

6. Offer more vegetarian and vegan options 

Increase the number of vegetarian and vegan alternatives available to your menu. Your customers can lessen the negative impact on the environment by reducing their meat and dairy consumption. Your business can lessen its environmental effect by replacing one or two meat options with additional vegetarian and vegan options, or at the very least by providing a replacement. Meat and dairy are not only among the least sustainable, but also among the most expensive products on your menu. Vegetarian and vegan menu items can have larger profit margins than animal meals due to the lower cost of produce.

7. Make people join the initiative

Despite the fact that the sustainability movement is widely publicised these days, some people are unaware of the facts and how to make a genuine difference. Your sustainable activities might serve as an encouraging and motivating example for individuals who are confused where to begin or why this is such a significant issue. Let customers know how you're helping the environment on social media and in the restaurant. Share information about your progress and new projects, including statistics and updates. In fact, restaurant sustainability is such a popular movement that it has its own organisation. 

Customers and employees get more involved with your brand when you're open about your efforts toward sustainability. You'll discover that having a good reputation boosts your business significantly, and your restaurant will likely fill up with new and returning guests as well as happy vibes.

If you've ever wanted to become more environmentally conscious, now is the time to get started. Moving toward sustainability takes time, both physically and mentally. However, it is in your restaurant's best interests, and it is doable if you make small, steady changes. Your commitment to environmental stewardship will set your restaurant apart.