The restaurant industry has a constant high demand. People will always need food to sustain their bodies, so they can go about their tasks with energy and vigor.
Restaurant owners find innovative ways to make their businesses stand out while also heeding the call for sustainability. At present, however, consumers are not only concerned about the food on their plates – but they are also now conscious of the processes behind the end product.
Sustainability is a growing trend in almost all industries. But to deal with the problem, an entrepreneur should first be aware of how they contribute to climate change.
How Many Restaurants Contribute to Climate Change?
Plates served to the customers undergo many processes. A healthy and delicious meal does not appear out of thin air. Besides, people come to restaurants not only for the food. The ambiance and total dining experience are essential factors, too.
It is not easy to achieve good food and a captivating ambiance. However, in doing so, some restaurant owners may unconsciously hurt the environment.
Entrepreneurs may not be aware of the environmental footprint that their businesses leave. Here are some of the ways a restaurant can have an adverse impact on the environment.
· Waste Production
Restaurants thrive in production. As they operate every day, they create plate after plate of food. These include packaging and disposable utensils for takeaway meals and disposable napkins and straws for the dine-ins.
When the staff is not conscientious, there could be massive waste produced. When this happens, food tends to spoil and end up in landfills. The same thing goes for every disposable packaging and utensils. Overflowing landfills emit methane gas and other toxic gases.
· Energy Consumption
To make a conducive dining experience, a restaurant must be well-lit. Lights can turn a plain area into an Instagrammable spot. Some studies even suggest that light affects one’s interaction with food.
Proper ventilation is another key to a dining experience that is worth repeating. When a customer is comfortable in their seats, they can enjoy their food more. They do not have to get concerned about feeling stuffy or chilled.
With these considerations, restaurant owners could load up on lights and air-conditioning units. Unfortunately, this strategy translates to higher energy consumption and, in turn, more emission of greenhouse gases than the Earth can handle.
· Transportation
Vehicle emissions are big culprits of climate change. The more frequent use of transportation leads to more emissions. As a result, the Earth shows rapid warming. This happens because it cannot handle the large amounts of gas emitted into the atmosphere.
Restaurants rely on suppliers to replenish their raw goods. A restaurant owner can get orders from foreign suppliers or far-away stores. With this decision, they may unsuspectingly contribute to the increasing environmental decline.
· Chemical Use
Cleanliness is imperative to every restaurant. Nobody would want to eat in a filthy dining place. Some restaurants do the cleaning themselves, while others hire cleaning professionals to take on the work.
Restaurant owners may argue that cleanliness is tantamount to a greener environment. However, they may fail to take into account the number of harsh chemicals in the cleaning products they use. Imagine the irony of choking up the planet with a cleaning agent.
What Can the Restaurant Industry Do to Support Sustainability?
Though the things mentioned above may seem to be dreary, hope is not lost. A restaurant owner can practice sustainability to combat climate change. Here are some eco-conscious ways any restaurant can adapt.
· Careful planning
Careful planning is key to reducing waste. For example, a sophisticated inventory system can ensure that all raw ingredients do not go to waste. In addition, rethinking the food portions served can also cut the food inside the bins.
Switching to recyclable packaging can also help lessen trash. After all, people would love to reuse their food containers for something else. Likewise, choosing cloth napkins for dine-ins and having a no-straw policy are excellent moves.
· Use of energy-efficient fixtures and appliances
LED lights are popular choices for environment-friendly entrepreneurs. These lights make a significant decrease in carbon footprints. Also, they are more aesthetically pleasing than their traditional counterparts.
Fortunately, energy-efficient air conditioning units are now available in the market. Proper maintenance of the HVAC system also ensures less use of energy.
· Supporting local produce
Getting the produce from nearby local suppliers does not only reduce carbon footprint but also guarantees a fresher meal and an innovative menu.
The shorter travel time would mean longer shelf life of the goods. The restaurant owner can also tweak their menus. For instance, they may serve dishes with raw ingredients that are in season. This farm-to-table experience will delight customers.
· Green cleaning
Some Los Angeles cleaning companies now advocate the use of eco-friendly products. These are cleaning agents with more natural ingredients. As such, they are gentle to the environment and people.
Even cleaning processes like steam cleaning have become more environment-friendly. Therefore, it is essential to seek processes that will carefully consider the environment without compromising cleanliness.
Every Decision Matters. Choose Prestige Property for Your Sustainable Cleaning Needs.
A small step can help to combat climate change. Reduce waste. Be more energy-efficient. Use local ingredients. Be an advocate of green cleaning. Every eco-conscious way you choose matters.
So, too, should you make sure to choose a commercial cleaning company that promotes green cleaning. In Los Angeles and Orange County, Prestige is the name to trust! Our professional cleaners promote green cleaning and sustainability. Find out more about us or call 714 224 0301 to book an appointment.
