It’s Easy Being Green: How to Make Your Restaurant More Sustainable

In today’s world, guests care more about the environment than ever. This can even affect their choice of restaurant. If your restaurant isn't practicing sustainability, this could affect your guests choice. Some customers have already changed their diets to protect the planet. Others will go so far as to research your recycling habits before ordering a meal.

Because of these trends, it’s essential to reduce your restaurant’s carbon footprint. Sustainability isn’t just good for the planet; it’s also good for business. Use these tips to go green for good.

Plant the Idea

Vegan eating is one of the fastest-growing trends in America. What’s more, 48 percent of Americans would gladly change their spending habits to reduce their environmental impact. That means you can charge the same amount for a veggie burger as a beef patty, drastically improving your profit margins along with guest loyalty.

Make sure you include several vegan and vegetarian options on your menu. This makes it easier for large groups and even appeals to meat-eaters craving a lighter meal. Use your Point of Sale system to track which of these items are the most popular and the most profitable. This way, you can strike a balance between these two qualities. Guest satisfaction and high profits should go hand in hand.

The Recycle of Life

Fifty-one percent of guests research recycling practices before choosing a restaurant. To capture their business, be sure that your recycling strategy is as eco-friendly as possible. Also, make sure you advertise this strategy on your website so guests can find the information they’re looking for when researching.

The good news is, proper waste management can increase your restaurant’s profit margin. By using as much of your inventory as possible, you cut down on unnecessary overhead costs. If you’re able to donate items you can’t sell – such as day-old pastries – you may even get a tax break. These numbers add up to long-term success for your restaurant.

Light up Your Life

Energy-efficient equipment can save restaurants up to 20 percent in overhead costs. It may be a big investment, but this savings is hard to pass up. Going green can even reduce labor costs, as this equipment requires less regular maintenance by your staff. (For example, LED light bulbs last much longer than incandescent bulbs.)

When you lower your electric bill, you can use extra funds to invest in your community. Host a workshop on sustainable foods, or start a neighborhood composting project. Focusing a little of your newfound energy on long-term sustainability will show guests how much you care.

It’s safe to assume that environmental issues will always relevant to your guests. This trend has been steadily growing for over a decade, with no signs of slowing down. It’s time to make long-term investments in equipment and recipes that keep our planet green.