Nov
25

Tips For Making Your Cafe More Environmentally Friendly


Posted on November 1, 2019 by Ash Bennett

Climate change is a pertinent issue for consumers around the world right now, which means that businesses can benefit from operating in a way that is environmentally friendly. As a cafe owner, there are many positives to transitioning to eco-friendly management solutions. Not only is it better for the environment, but consumers will also feel more comfortable spending their money on your products and want to visit often. Here are some of the changes you can make to your cafe’s operations to make it more eco-friendly.

Use environmentally sustainable packaging.

If your cups, napkins, plates, and silverware aren’t currently recyclable or compostable, switching to alternative products is a great first step towards reducing your negative impact on the environment. While it used to be somewhat difficult to find sustainable packaging that was affordable, times have changed and there are now plenty of budget-friendly options. Many packaging companies will even produce custom orders that are recyclable or compostable, so you don’t have to sacrifice your style for environmentally friendly packaging.

Install LED lighting when possible.

Lighting uses a ton of power and energy, so not only will switching to better bulbs help save the environment, but it will also save you money on your power bill. LED lights last exponentially longer than their traditional counterparts, produce brighter light, and use less energy. Although they cost more to purchase at the outset, their overall energy cost for their lifespan is much lower than a traditional light bulb. If you don’t like the harsh look of LED lights, you can install shades or covers to maintain a warm, homey atmosphere in your cafe.

Reward employees for taking public transportation to work.

If you live in an area with public transportation, encourage your employees (or even your customers) to use it by starting an incentive program. Public transportation cuts down on the level of carbon emissions in the atmosphere, which are some of the biggest contributing factors to our planet’s rising temperatures. You can provide rewards for your employees if they use public transit (or walk or bike, which are just as effective), such as free food and drinks or even bonuses. You could also partner with a local public transit system by rewarding your customers when they show their train or bus tickets. Not only does this encourage environmentally friendly behavior, but it can expand your customer base and increase revenue as well.

Compost your food waste.

If your cafe serves food, you can set up your own composting program. Composting breaks down waste in a way that is efficient and environmentally friendly. All you need to do is set up a specific compost bin, and determine what can and cannot be composted. Most cafe-related food waste is compostable, including coffee grounds, tea bags, fruit, and eggshells. Use a bin that is specifically designed for compost to combat any unpleasant odors, and be sure to take the bin to an outdoor compost heap every two to three days.

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