04 Mar RESTAURANTS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Business viability is an integrated approach to their management, which works to maximize long-term economic, social and environmental value. Sustainability aims to leave systems capable of continuing to exist.
A dining area is characterized as socially sustainable if it actively seeks to create a welcoming environment. This means that it includes healthy choices on its list, is actively involved in the community, treats its employees and customers fairly and respectfully, and uses promotions only for the sake of clarity and honesty.
A simple example: a coffee shop can give a discount on the price of the coffee it offers take out service, to those who choose to take their drink in their own container, so that as little plastic as possible is used and it is advertised accordingly at the entrance of the store and in conspicuous places within the service area.
The viability of a restaurant refers to when the food businesses that supply it minimize their impact on the planet, especially addressing issues such as sustainable agriculture, carbon footprint, supply chain shortening, food waste, packaging, water and energy consumption – recycling.
Also, if it has lighting, air conditioning, ventilation, cooling and low consumption cooking equipment. Uses products without chemicals for cleaning and without contaminants for both the environment and the health of customers. It can also use sustainable furniture and utensils. The best sustainable furniture choices are created from recycled items such as salvaged wood, recycled fabrics and reusable materials such as wooden pallets. In addition, natural materials such as bamboo, reed and seaweed are excellent materials for furniture and decoration.
Think about how to recycle all paper, glass, plastic and metal. Dispose of food scraps for compost or green waste and retain oil for biofuel processing. Use inventory management techniques that will reduce waste in general. Use gas to operate stoves and ovens where needed.
What will it cost to your as owners of such establishment? Advertising your sustainable practices costs no more than what you already spend on promotion. You can use social media, email lists and other practices that you are already be using. In addition, recent surveys have shown that 60% of consumers want to look for sustainable restaurants and more than 2/3 of them are willing to pay more to dine at sustainable restaurants. Sustainability can attract new loyal fans and give you space to raise prices if you need to offset the cost.
