You may be shocked to discover that climate change is no longer a political or moral issue. Now it's becoming as much one for business as environmentalism. The world economy, which depends on production from fossil fuels, must develop ways around this trend – reducing our emissions in order (to some extent) to mitigate its effects. But if we want to avoid catastrophic global warming, whether by investing heavily now in research into renewable energy sources or promoting green manufacturing through low-carbon transportation systems or switching one time used take out plastic from all restaurant industry to biodegradable by products, action to face this matter are in each individual hands from countries to businesses.
Some of the things you could do as a restaurant
In some parts of the world, governments have already banned plastic straws from being used in restaurants. As the restaurant industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world and more people eat out and order take out more often, restaurants are generating a large amount of waste. There are many ways that restaurants can be more environmentally friendly. Some include reducing food waste, using biodegradable straws, and using compostable one-time-use containers when necessary.
1. Substitute single-use plastic with biodegradable material
The best way to make your restaurant environmentally friendly is to make it easy for customers by providing boxes and straws that are biodegradable and compostable. In an effort to go eco-friendly, restaurants are switching their one-time-use plastic to a more environmentally friendly material made of sugarcane, paper, bamboo, and all other biodegradable materials to substitute for the one-time used plastic.
2. Reduce food waste
Reducing food waste is the most well-known way to be environmentally friendly at a restaurant. Leftover food goes straight into the trash and as it decomposes it generates methane gas which contributes to climate change. Utilizing compostable takeout containers which can be conveniently disposed of with their food scraps at a recycling center or compost pile.
3. Replacing plastic straws with compostable straws
Restaurants should consider switching to biodegradable straws which eventually break down after use. Sugarcane straws are generally considered eco-friendly and economical because they do not require extra processing like bamboo or paper straws. They also have a good impact on the environment, as they produce less carbon emissions than plastic and can be recycled just like food waste. Biodegradable straws have a number of benefits for both the restaurant industry as well as for the environment. They can be composted like other biodegradable products, and an average of about 500 billion paper or plastic straws are used each year.
Click here to get free sugarcane straws samples
4. Use eco-friendly cleaning products
Believe it or not, the most used product in a restaurant is cleaning products. Let’s face it, there are more restaurant cleaning products that are toxic than not, and the costs for environmentally friendly cleaning products are usually more expensive. However, not all environmentally friendly cleaning products are expensive if you look hard enough to make your restaurant more eco-friendly. When shopping around, look for the Green Seal label, Environmental Choice Program label, Greenguard label, or the Chlorine Free Products Association label.
5. Reduce the use of paper
As we are in a digital age now there are ways we could reduce the use of paper. For example, receipts can be sent to customers in digital format that reduce the use of printed paper. Many new POS systems allow you to send digital receipts and many people prefer having their receipts emailed to them instead of having a wallet stuffed full of paper. Additionally, try cutting your paper advertising and moving your efforts online.
Conclusion: Going Eco-Friendly is a Must for All Restaurants
There are many reasons for restaurants to go eco-friendly. From the recent banning of one-time use plastic from the Canadian government, effective end of 2022, to just surely being environmentally conscious. But at the end of the day, it is about promoting your business and demonstrating that you care about the environment. You will have more customers in this day and age, and millennials are paramount to your success. When considering going green, there are many things worth considering; one thing to keep in mind is what customers want.
It is important that you work on implementing sustainable practices as a restaurant owner or manager, as these practices will help you grow your business while also going in line with environmental regulations. Implementing sustainable practices can be costly at first but these investments will pay off in the long run by providing a means of reducing operating expenses, helping generate revenue through increased customer visits, and supporting local economic growth through expansion opportunities.
Straw Matters, a Canadian-based sugarcane straw manufacturer, provides samples upon request so you can try them out before the purchase. Click here to get free samples.
