#Stopsucking and Go Green!
It’s no secret that most use large amounts of water and energy. But consumers are starting to become more environmentally conscious, worrying about global warming and pollution. According to a recent PWC Survey, more than 80% of consumers are willing to pay a premium for goods and serves that are sustainably produced. This means that going green has a compounding positive impact: it’s healthy for the planet AND for your bottom line.
Wondering how you can incorporate environmentally friendly practices into your restaurant? Here are four ways restaurant owners can help their establishments go green.
4 Easy Ways to Make Your Restaurant More Environmentally Friendly
#1. Reduce food waste.
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, restaurants waste between 22 and 33 billion pounds of food every year. This wasted food ends up in landfills and starts generating methane, a greenhouse gas that traps heat within our atmosphere. To help reduce the amount of food they waste, restaurants can use a digital inventory management tool like PeachWorks. Using this software will alert you when your inventory is nearing expiration, so you know what ingredients to use first. It also shows you a real time look at your inventory, so you don’t order too much the next time you stock your kitchen. Best of all? Buying only the number of ingredients you need won’t just reduce food waste, it will also save you money!
#2. Set up a good recycling system.
This is a very quick fix. No matter where your restaurant is located, recycling can be done. Recycle materials like wood crates, cardboard, and glass bottles. Make sure each employee is trained on what they can recycle and how to recycle.
#3. Replace or get rid of non-reusable materials.
While upgrading to eco-friendly materials may not save your restaurant money, it will definitely help the environment. Many cities like New York City, Washington DC, Seattle, and Los Angeles have already banned Styrofoam to-go containers, and many other cities are joining them. Consider replacing your Styrofoam to-go containers with compostable carry-out containers, or get rid of unnecessary single use plastics, like straws and plastic bags, for takeout orders.
#4. Conserve water when you’re able.
Conserving water is critical in becoming an environmentally friendly restaurant. You can help conserve water by investing in water-saving toilets, switching from bottled water to an in-house filtration system, or switching to a high-performance low-flow nozzle to clean dishes. Conserving water is a win-win because you will be saving money on energy bills while helping the environment.
Small Changes Make a Big Eco-Impact
If you’re just starting your journey as an eco-friendly restaurant, start small. Adopting even one of the changes recommended here can make a bit difference in your restaurant’s long-term environmental impact. Going green doesn’t have to be scary — it can start with small, ordinary changes at the day-to-day level that have a long-lasting impact.
Eco-Friendly Practices: Good for the Planet AND Your Business
Adopting eco-friendly practices is a win-win: good for the planet AND for your restaurant’s bottom line. From reducing food waste to switching to sustainable packaging, many green initiatives can lower costs while appealing to today’s environmentally conscious diners.
But tracking those savings, managing new supplier costs, and measuring the financial impact of sustainability requires clear, organized financial data. That’s where the right bookkeeping support can make a big difference.
With virtual bookkeeping services tailored for restaurant owners, you can keep a close eye on expenses, monitor food and supply costs, and ensure your sustainability initiatives are both environmentally and financially sustainable. Learn more about BookWerks™ virtual bookkeeping services for restaurant owners by scheduling a FREE Consultation.