Whether you run a restaurant, a catering company or a food manufacturing business, you can go green. In this industry, it’s not uncommon for businesses to use methods and practices that are not exactly great for the environment. That doesn’t have to be the case. So, if you want to take your business in a more environmentally friendly direction, here are the steps you should take.
Use Fewer Disposable Supplies
Many food companies will use things like plastic plates and cups. This might seem like a good idea. It means less cleaning and washing up, but it’s not a good thing for the environment. When you use disposable supplies, you have to throw more away. And all that stuff usually ends up in landfill. You can’t afford to fall into that trap if you want your business to be green and sustainable. Switch to supplies that can be used many times for years to come.
Switch the Refrigerant You Use
Refrigerating produce or food is something that most food companies have to do for one reason or another. Those industrial refrigerators can release huge amounts of emissions into the atmosphere though. So, you should choose the refrigerant you use very carefully. Low charge ammonia refrigeration is seen as one of the most environmentally friendly options out there. So, it might be time to make a switch if your business is not currently using a very green refrigerant. By making that change, your company will instantly become more environmentally friendly.
Source Foods in Sustainable Ways
Most food companies source their produce from other places. You should be sure to source your food supplies from places that are sustainable. One of the most important things to do is buy food that is from a local supplier. When you buy locally, you cut down on the amount of distance that has to be traveled to get the produce to you. That means fewer CO2 emissions will be released into the atmosphere. Research the companies you buy from ahead of signing any deals too.
Reduce Waste
Most food companies could do a bit more to reduce the amount of food that they are responsible for wasting. Waste less by only ordering the amount of food that will be necessary. And use any food that gets leftover in a sensible way. For example, other food can be created from what’s leftover. And any that is unwanted but still edible can be donated to a homeless shelter or another kind of charity. These kinds of donations are always appreciated, so it makes sense.
Use Cleaning Products That Are Non-Toxic
Your workplace will become much safer if you use non-toxic cleaning products. And it’ll be a change that’s very good for the planet as well. If you are still using toxic cleaning products, it’s time to make the change. There are so many benefits of doing so, and there are no real drawbacks. So, you should have a look at the cleaning products you use and start researching the alternatives.
Lina Martinez has her B.S. in journalism and is a contributor to our politics, life and money pages. She once admitted over drinks to singing "Careless Whisper" in the shower. We are still trying to get her to sing it at karaoke.
