Sustainability is not just a buzz word or a passing by trend. Sustainability is going to stay here and will be the only way forward for our living. Global climatic change is a severe threat to the world, and it is high time that we start doing something about it to tackle this change. Research says that while the developing countries are affected by 98 percent, the lesser developed countries have less than one percent of carbon emission that contributes towards climate change.
Climate change has profound and manifold impacts, including economic loss and deteriorating health conditions. Climate change has a direct effect on agricultural productivity, rising sea level, increased water stress, risks to human life, and not to forget the risks to the global ecosystem. Different industries have different levels of impact on climate change, and the dining and restaurant industry is no different. The onus lies with each one to restore the balance and save the earth by switching to a sustainable model.
What is Sustainability and Why Should I Care?
As defined by the UN World Commission on Environment and Development: “Sustainable development is a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” So, if you care for your children, then you need to care for the environment and the climate overall. Otherwise, our future generations won’t be able to survive for long. But there is some good news and rays of hope for the planet.
A research conducted by the Center for Sustainable Business (CSB), New York University reveals that shoppers and diners are more inclined towards sustainable products more than ever. In a survey conducted by HPI Research for Sainsbury’s, 84 percent of shoppers voted for sustainable food that they want to see on their plates. Diners are going to eat what they want to eat anyway, but transparency offered by the restaurants to its customers play an important role here to help them make an informed decision. It is interesting to learn that millennials are more inclined towards brands that embrace sustainability with a purpose.
How to Boost Your Sustainability
Studies have shown that brands or products that have a sustainability model grow faster than those who do not follow sustainability. Hence, following a sustainable model helps you to do your bit towards the environment, build your brand as a sustained brand, and thus earn respect. How can you incorporate a sustainable model in your restaurant business?
- Go Seasonal! – Shop for the seasonal variety of fruits, vegetables, cheese, and meat. Rotating your menu will not only add variety for your guests, but you can shop all the ingredients for a lower price (thus savings costs) because they grow abundantly during their natural harvest season.
- Opt for Local Vendors – When you opt for a local vendor, you cut off the unnecessary carbon emission to source your products from a long distance. Plus, local vendors are generally less expensive than getting them transported from elsewhere.
- Indulge in a Garden Kitchen – Grow your produce! It will add an attraction to your restaurant apart from building a sustainable model. If you have a space constraint, go for a rooftop organic garden! Consumers will love you for this effort.
- Are Your Sources Sustainable? – Opt for sources that are sustainable, especially when you’re offering seafood. Overfishing or unstable fishing practices can create an imbalance in the ecosystem. Source your seafood only from sustainable sources.
- Include Vegan and Vegetarian Options – Review your menu and see if there is a scope to include vegan or vegetarian options on the menu. It will not only delight your vegan and vegetarian patrons, but it is a great sustainable approach too.
- Choose Sustainable Tech – Manage your inventory better to reduce waste by investing in a good POS. A thorough system can also manage employee schedules and send receipts via email so less paper is used. Find out more about what an all in one POS can do here. For bigger measures, you could implement solar power into your business.
- Save Water and Electricity – Restaurants can save costs and build a sustainable approach by conserving water and electricity. Small measures like opening up doors and windows on a beautiful day instead of running the AC is a great way to save on electricity. Similarly, you can consider investing in a low -flow toilets and sinks.
Building a sustainable restaurant doesn’t happen in a day. It needs a lot of conscious efforts to create one. But the good thing is most of these measures discussed above won’t cost you a fortune, and you can do your bit to save the planet.