In the last five years, the focus of many businesses has been on making themselves greener.
This has been easier for some than others. If you operate a fleet of trucks that travel long distances, it will be harder for you to make that business model greener. But, if you have a smaller business, particularly one that provides Food Service Greener to customers, it is easier than you think to make this business model more eco-friendly.
So, without further ado, here are some ways to make your café or other eateries into a greener, more sustainable model.
Takeaway Cups
The first thing to look at is your cups. Do you offer customers takeaway cups? If so, you can opt for recyclable coffee cups.
Recyclable takeaway cups are typically made of paper lined with a thin layer of plastic, usually polyethylene (PE). This creates a barrier between the hot liquid inside and the paper, making the cup waterproof. These types of cups, although technically recyclable, often do not get recycled as the plastic liner is often difficult to separate from the paper, making it hard to recycle.
Some manufacturers have started to produce cups made entirely from plastic, such as polypropylene (PP), which is more readily recyclable, and others still are using plant-based materials like corn starch or sugarcane to produce the cup. These materials are also biodegradable, which makes them good eco-friendly alternatives as well.
Better Management of Inventory
Keep records of what items are selling well and which are not, and adjust your inventory levels accordingly. Be sure to keep an eye on expiration dates and use products nearing their expiration date before they spoil. If you have lots of spoiling items, don’t order them again.
Also, when looking to reduce food waste, you should conduct regular audits of your inventory levels and storage conditions to ensure that items are not going to waste. It can also be worth considering donating food that can no longer be sold but is still safe to eat. This can help reduce waste as well as make a positive impact on the community.
Reusable Items
Next, you should turn your attention to the items that you use every day in your café or eatery.
Use forks, plates, cups, etc., that can be washed with a dishwasher, and aim to use salt shakers and sauce dispensers that are designed to be washed and to last. If you can, much like the cups mentioned earlier, it can be worth investing in plates and other items of cutlery that are made from plant-based materials.
Energy Efficient Equipment
Aim for star-rated appliances like refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers and ovens. These appliances are designed to use less energy than standard models. Also, LED lights use less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, reducing the need for frequent replacement and lowering your electricity requirement.
Local Ingredients
And finally, it can also be worth sourcing as much of your materials as possible from local food providers or growers. This will reduce the carbon emissions of the Food Service Greener and other ingredients being transported and will also help to boost the local economy of farmers. Great!