Over the last few years, waste production and reduction has become a hot topic within the hospitality industry. Some aspects of the industry can produce a large amount of waste, but not the industry is looking to reduce their waste production.
Restaurant and cafe owners are now interested in trying their best, to reduce any harm against the environment. They are opting for sustainable practices within their restaurants instead. Some sustainable practices that restaurant owners can adapt include:
Localizing your supply chain – Buying produce directly distributors who buy from smaller businesses and farmers rather than from a larger chain.
Serving more vegetarian and vegan options – Meat is responsible for a large amount of greenhouse gases, which can harm our climate. Instead add some meat free options to your menu, to decrease the amount of meat purchased.
Recycling programs – Recycling is one of the best ways to reduce waste. Your food packaging, bottles, and cans can be used in a range of recycling programs, so they don’t end up in our environment.
Bulk buying – Food items such as pasta, honey, nuts, and spices can be bought in bulk, which decreases costs and environmental impact of transportation and packaging.
So, do these sustainable practices at your restaurant have anything to do with customers? Yes.
Consumers in the modern era are much concerned about the environment and sustainability. Restaurants earn a name through mainly great food, but nowadays with increasing concerns of climate change, customers are conscious, and they want to feel good about enjoying your great food without adding to the problem.
When a restaurant goes ahead and acts sustainably, they give power to their customers a way to help the earth every day, without having to even think about it.
Sustainable practices at your restaurant gives your customers another reason to want to eat with you and gives you a point of difference compared to other eateries.
Apart from enhancing your customers loyalty, sustainability in a restaurant delivers a huge number of benefits to your businesses and the environment.
Increased Customer Base
When a customer spreads the word, it is the best form of advertisement for any brand. If customers are also here about your sustainability practises, it will entice them to want to come and try your restaurants, and then your great food will have them coming back.
Increased Savings and Environmental Benefits
Sustainable practices can help you save your money in the long term by buying in bulk and decreasing your energy and water consumption. cutting down on waste itself means saving. This was also directly creating a positiveimpact to the environment and reducing your carbon footprint. Savings all around.
Milky Lane is one of the restaurants in Australia that ensure they make small changes to create a big impact. They avoid using single-use plastics, and they use glass and paper straws when serving drinks. They also have plant-based food options on their menu which is another important sustainable practice.
With all these small practices, customers are attracted to the restaurant and the great good will surely bring customers back for a second visit. Implementing sustainable practices is the best thing your restaurant can do for the planet.