How Going Green Means Making More Green

Red sign advertising organic eatery.
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It used to be said that “time is money,” but that old adage isn’t so accurate anymore. Today, sometimes going the extra mile resonates with customers. That means shifting toward providing a more sustainable and environmentally conscious dining experience.

So, how do you adhere to safety standards, focus on sustainability, and cater to upcoming demographics, such as Gen-Z and Millennials? Let’s find out.

Shop organic & local:

Shopping local and organic provides a perfect place to start increasing the sustainability of your operation. The spring and summer months offer the perfect time to use local resources for your menu items.

According to market research, over 82% of households already buy organic foods. If you want these individuals to visit your restaurant, you’re going to need to offer products that customers want.

Buying local has several additional benefits when it comes to promoting your sustainable dining experience. More and more customer gain an increased sense of satisfaction in knowing where their meals originate from. When you shop local, your shipping costs will often decrease. And you can help reduce transportation pollution by ordering in-season produce.

Sustainable restaurants go beyond food

Think about upgrading your facility with energy-efficient equipment. You’ll show customers that you care about the environment, which is always good for business, and you’ll likely save on energy bills. Go green with your lighting, maintain your equipment, and invest in materials that can help reduce water waste. Consider a décor style that highlights sustainability in your restaurant. Vintage is in, and that means refurbishing décor and furniture!

Invest in environmentally-friendly restaurant supplies

Cross-contamination is a real concern, so it’s not always possible for restaurants to utilize reusable products. However, there are plenty of other ways for restaurants to incorporate environmentally-friendly supplies into their business.

Take register tape, for example. Because of the chemicals used in the paper, most receipts can’t be recycled. Many customers are urging restaurants to use digital receipts, but it’s not always the best option to protect your business from fraud. Thankfully, NCCO offers BPA-free thermal paper and paper containing recycled materials.

Food preparation is critical to both food safety and sustainable dining. When you know which products get used first and all labeling is consistent, there will be less food waste. Plus, NCCO’s dissolving labels are biodegradable and can be washed off easily, so you can reuse storage containers.

Looking for more eco-friendly restaurant products? NCCO offers foodservice solutions to help you give your customers an environmentally-conscious dining experience.