If you’re running an organic food restaurant, you’re probably concerned about sustainability. Fortunately, there are a variety of things that restaurant owners can do to make their eateries more sustainable. Here are some moves that you should consider making.
Buy Local
Buying locally is great for so many reasons. You support your local economy and local farmers, and that’s something that more and more diners are looking for. It’s not just beneficial for your restaurant though. Buying locally is also good for the environment. If you’re buying ingredients from far away, that means more emissions are being created to ship things to you. Buying local means that you’re getting fresh food from nearby and avoiding the creation of excess emissions.
Have an Onsite Garden
Having an onsite garden can be another great way to make your restaurant more sustainable. Obviously, you can’t grow every ingredient that you need, but why not grow a few things that can help you make your specialties? Grow basil if you make homemade pesto or plant tomatoes if your pasta sauce is a big hit. This is sustainable and helps differentiate your restaurant. Diners who want to eat healthy and local will take notice.
Look for Seasonal Items
Buying items that are in season can also help make your restaurant more sustainable. Growing items that are in season is a less resource-intensive process. You also can continue to buy local, instead of shipping in items from far away. Most diners will appreciate a seasonal menu with new things to try, so this move is a win all around.
Experiment with Meat-Free Options
You can also offer more meat-free options on your menu. Generally, the production of meat is far more resource-intensive and creates a lot of emissions. Vegan and vegetarian options can be more sustainable, so offering them as an option can make eco-conscious diners feel good.
Know Where Your Food Comes From
Know where you’re sourcing all of your food from. You want to make sure that you’re picking the best, most sustainable source of produce, seafood, and meat.
Focus on Reducing Food Waste
Restaurants can create a lot of waste. Making serious efforts to reduce food waste can make your restaurant a lot more sustainable. Whether you find a way to donate food or more ways to avoid wasting ingredients, every bit of effort helps in the fight against food waste.
Use Water and Electricity Saving Items
You can also try to reduce your restaurant’s resource use by installing fixtures like low-flow sinks and light timers. Reducing your electricity and water use is a great way to reduce your restaurant’s carbon footprint. This also means that you shouldn’t cheap out on appliances. Get modern, efficient appliances that will essentially pay for themselves over time by operating more efficiently.
Commit to Sustainability
If you’re looking for more ways to make your restaurant more sustainable, visit the Organic Restaurants blog and website. We offer plenty of tips to restaurateurs who care about the environment and the effect that they have on it.