How can you do sustainable business in the hospitality industry?

How can you do sustainable business in the hospitality industry?

Making your restaurant more sustainable may seem complicated, but it's worth the effort. It reduces food waste, saves money and attracts environmentally conscious customers. We have a handy guide with 4 easy steps to make your restaurant more sustainable. Read on!

Use eco-friendly packaging

Want to be more sustainable? Then pay attention to the packaging you use, especially now that takeout and delivery are more popular than ever. Foam packaging, for example, is harmful to the environment, and customers are increasingly concerned with sustainability. It is therefore important to use environmentally friendly packaging, such as that made from bagasse/sugarcane, wood, PLA or paper. These packages are biodegradable, resistant to heat and water, and reduce the environmental impact of your restaurant. Choose packaging that suits your business and customers will surely appreciate it!

Reduce your energy consumption

If your restaurant business incurs significant electricity costs each month, it is likely due to the energy consumption of kitchen equipment. It is important to perform regular maintenance on these appliances because well-maintained machines use less energy than poorly maintained ones. When purchasing new appliances, such as a professional dishwasher, it is wise to invest in energy-efficient models that are specifically designed to reduce energy consumption. You can also make some simple changes, such as installing water-saving toilets and energy-efficient lighting. An easy solution is also to turn off appliances when not in use, and open windows on cooler days to turn off air conditioning.

Save as much water as possible

You should also be conscious about how you use water in your restaurant. Every time the toilet is flushed or dishes are washed, water is used. When you use water consciously, you are doing good for the environment and saving costs. What can you do about this? For example, run the dishwasher only when it's full, serve customers water only when they ask for it, check for leaks in the pipes, replace traditional urinals with waterless urinals, use water-saving faucets in the kitchen and bathroom and install water-efficient toilets to reduce the amount of water used each time.

Prevent food waste

To reduce food waste in your catering business and protect both your profits and the environment, there are several steps you can take. Always make sure you keep track of how many ingredients you have in stock so you don't over-order. Also, use tools such as measuring cups and scales to accurately measure portions, and employ the "First In, First Out" (FIFO) method of using older ingredients first. Of course, you should also store food properly, in the freezer, refrigerator or pantry, to prevent spoilage and extend the life of products. With these practical tips, you can do sustainable business in the hospitality industry!