Sorry Kermit, in today's world it is easy being green. With growing concern over the environment, many restaurants and municipalities are making the commitment to being zero waste. Choosing to be eco-friendly or not isn't a choice you have to make anymore—it's the way of the world, and the world is making it easier. More restaurant supplies and equipment manufacturers are making the commitment to be green, and we've made shopping for eco-friendly restaurant supplies easier than ever with our eco-friendly specialty shop. Let us help you achieve your sustainability goals!
More cities are moving towards zero waste policies, which may include having clearly-labeled recycle, compost and trash bins available for customers. Make sure you check with your local municipality on what colored bins or signage is required or recommended in your business. For example, did you know that paper towels are compostable? Try putting a compostable bin (complete with compostable trash bags) in your restroom to divert a significant amount of waste from the landfill. Or you may avoid the use of paper towels altogether by investing in an automatic hand dryer.
Eco-Friendly Disposables
Disposables and single use items certainly play a large role in being green. Inherently wasteful, these types of products are typically used once and thrown straight into our landfills. Thankfully many manufacturers are creating products made from post-consumer recycled products and certified compostable products. Eco-Products is undoubtedly the leader in certified commercially compostable products, making many cups, plates, cutlery and take out containers out of renewable resources like sugar cane. Sending your customers out the door with compostables is an easy way to make a difference in and out of the restaurant.
Achieving your sustainability goals is more than just replacing paper cups with compostable ones. For example, have you considered how much energy you utilize in your front of house and back of house lighting? Consider swapping out those incandescent bulbs with new, efficient LED bulbs that drastically reduce your energy consumption while also providing a lot of light. New advancements in LED and CFL technology might garner a higher initial price tag, but you can expect to double (and in some cases triple) the average lifespan of a traditional bulb. You'll quickly learn that being green may actually save you money over the long-term!
Water Conservation
Then of course, there's your water usage. With as much as 5,000 gallons of water being utilized in restaurants today, water conservation should be a priority. New low flow pre rinse hoses and faucets are designed to use less water and meet rigorous legislative guidelines on water use in quick service and full-service restaurants alike. You can also opt to purchase certified energy efficient dishwashers and ice machines. The higher initial cost might put you off initially, but the year over year savings means you'll recoup the cost (and then some) in no time!
When it comes to your purchasing power, even the smallest changes can make an environmental impact. Popular industry leaders like Boulder Cleaners are creating soaps and other cleaning agents free from toxic chemicals. Or try using toilet paper made from recycled content. Your customers will recognize the steps your taking in being eco-friendly, and you know what? They will probably choose you over your competitor next time they go out for just that reason.
Being eco-friendly is easier than you think if you tackle each area of your restaurant one at a time. Let us help you achieve your sustainability goals with this selection of green and eco-friendly restaurant supplies!
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