What are the best strategies for meeting sustainability goals in your establishment?

1 Reduce waste

One of the most obvious and impactful ways to achieve sustainability is to reduce waste. Food waste is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and land use. To prevent food waste, you can adopt practices such as inventory management, portion control, menu planning, and donation. You can also reduce packaging waste by using reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable materials, and encouraging customers to bring their own containers or bags. Additionally, you can reduce energy and water waste by using efficient appliances, lighting, and faucets, and monitoring your usage regularly.

2 Source locally

Another strategy to improve sustainability is to source your ingredients and supplies locally. Local sourcing can reduce the carbon footprint of your food and beverage operations, as well as support the local economy and community. Local products are also likely to be fresher, tastier, and more nutritious, which can enhance your quality and customer satisfaction. To source locally, you can establish relationships with local farmers, producers, and suppliers, and feature seasonal and regional specialties on your menu. You can also communicate your local sourcing efforts to your customers through signage, labels, or stories.

3 Go organic

Going organic can also help you achieve sustainability goals, as well as health and safety standards. Organic farming and production methods avoid the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, hormones, antibiotics, and genetically modified organisms, which can harm the environment and human health. Organic products are also more resilient to climate change, and can preserve soil quality and biodiversity. To go organic, you can look for certified organic labels or third-party verification when purchasing your ingredients and supplies. You can also educate your staff and customers on the benefits of organic food and beverage.