By Leo Clarke, Contributor
As a restaurant owner, there are many reasons to consider offering a more sustainable menu. In the current climate, with global concerns for our environment mounting, sustainability is likely to be at the forefront of your customer’s minds. One study has shown that they are over 50% more likely to choose sustainable restaurants over others.
Making the choice to promote a greener kitchen and menu is not only a smart business decision, but also a commitment to a healthier planet, community, and future. In this article, we explore some of the most compelling reasons why you should start implementing these positive changes within your restaurant.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Adopting a more sustainable kitchen helps to reduce the environmental footprint of your entire business. Traditionally, restaurants can throw out large amounts of food waste, some 11.4 million tons annually in the U.S., alongside producing as much CO2 as 42 coal-fired power plants.
With consumers actively looking for restaurants that handle their environmental impact and food waste responsibly, it’s well worth brainstorming ideas on how to reduce your business’s carbon footprint. By sourcing local, organic ingredients, you can support local farmers and reduce the emissions from food transportation – whilst also ensuring your food is free from pesticides and harmful chemicals.
Customers will not only appreciate the fresh, flavorsome meals you provide but also the fact that your menu is healthier and more nutrient-dense. By focusing on quality and avoiding highly processed foods, you can offer a wholesome dining experience that’s sure to turn heads.
To fight food wastage, you could join a food recovery program. Many cities offer schemes where they will collect unspoiled food and deliver it to homeless people. Alternatively, look to start your own sustainable waste program, or build an onsite composting scheme to reuse vegetable scraps and other compostable food waste.
Social Responsibility
While it may seem daunting initially to invest in more sustainable practices, the long-term savings are substantial. By installing energy-efficient appliances, water-saving systems and waste-reduction strategies, you’ll be well on your way to reducing your utility bills and operational costs. Taking a proactive approach to your social responsibility of creating a healthier planet will not go unnoticed by your customers, and will also help to set an example to others in the restaurant industry.
Partnering with local suppliers fosters a sense of community and helps to strengthen your local economy – a strong move for any business. Work with your team to come up with some creative ways to innovate your menu and cut back on the environmental impact of your restaurant – what dynamic, seasonal dishes can your chefs create?
At its core, switching to a more sustainable kitchen and menu is an ethical decision. The food industry is under increasing scrutiny for its vast ethical implications, from the mistreatment of animals to the conditions of farm laborers. By choosing sustainable, fair-trade, and cruelty-free products within your menu, you’re taking a stand for humane and fair food production.
Lead the Way to a Brighter Future
In essence, promoting a sustainable kitchen and menu is a multi-faceted endeavor that benefits the environment, public health, the economy and society as a whole. As a restaurant owner, you have the power to inspire others and pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for us all.
Plus, with many people cutting back on eating out, committing to a greener kitchen can be a key differentiator in such a competitive market. Start embracing ethical and sustainable practices within your kitchen as soon as possible, to contribute to a better world whilst offering a rich, wholesome dining experience for your customers.
