Sustainability: the buzzword that seems to be everywhere. Not only is it more important than ever, it's also deemed a rising food trend in 2020. Restaurants and chefs are committing to transparency and sustainable practices. It’s a step in the right direction, and being environmentally aware is crucial for the long term health and success of the food and beverage industry.
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Developing restaurant operations to be more sustainable is an ever evolving process that requires commitment to the mission, all for a greater impact in the industry. Here are a few things you can do to get started.
1) Keep the menu seasonal. Consuming seasonal food means it's fresher, tastier, and more nutritious than food consumed out of season. Buying your ingredients from local sources ensures the freshest produce possible and supports your local economy. In addition to making your restaurant more sustainable, it's also a great idea to increase restaurant profits and stay on top of food trends.
2) Small steps make a big impact. Use linen napkins instead of paper napkins. Print your menus on recycled paper. Compost leftover food. These are just a few small changes that can significantly reduce waste in your business.
3) Buy equipment and supplies from companies that practice sustainability. Using Energy Star rated equipment can help greatly reduce the cost of your energy bill and will pay for itself in the long run. Buying tableware and supplies from companies, such as BauscherHepp, who are conscious about material and packaging will also help cut waste.