Pubs produce a significant amount of waste daily. Fortunately, there are numerous steps you can take as a pub landlord to increase the business’s sustainability. By adopting an eco-approach, companies can positively impact the environment.
Eco-friendly pubs are good for the environment and can increase revenue because they provide a competitive advantage and attract sustainable clients. To boost the sustainability of your pub, we’ve compiled a list of eco-friendly ideas that can help you turn your bar into an eco-boozer
Localize Your Supply Chain
The restaurant industry is experiencing significant growth driven by the farm-to-table movement, which is expected to keep gaining momentum. Follow this trend by purchasing ingredients and produce locally from farmer’s markets or suppliers who buy from local farmers. This may not only reduce transportation costs and pollution, but it also ensures the support of your local farmers.
In addition, Local food is considered fresher due to the shorter distance between the farm and the kitchen to the customer’s fork.
Update Your Menu Seasonally
For pubs, it’s crucial to understand the origin of their food and drink products. Don’t be afraid to ask your vendors about implementing their green initiatives. This helps ensure you’re minimizing the overall impact of your supply chain where possible.
You should evaluate your supplier throughout the year. This may allow you to examine your sourcing trends from the previous year and find locations where you can substitute one ingredient for another.
For example, consider replacing out-of-season ingredients with those currently in season. Instead of keeping raspberries on the menu all year round, you can alter your menu based on seasonal accessibility.
Install Energy-Efficient Appliances
Evaluating your pub’s energy usage is a good starting point; it helps you identify issues and implement changes as needed. For example, employees often leave the lights on at the end of their shifts. So, as the pub owner, you must implement sustainable practices and remind workers of best practices.
In September 2021, the Department of Energy banned incandescent or halogen light bulbs. The reasoning was that lighting nationwide would become more energy-efficient by replacing incandescent lights with LED (light-emitting diode) and CFL (compact fluorescent bulb) alternatives.
Despite producing the same amount of light, halogen bulbs consume 80% more energy than LEDs. They also have a short lifespan, so substituting these with long-lasting LED or CFL bulbs can decrease energy consumption and prevent waste.
Avoid Using Plastic Straws
Although plastic straws have been used since the beginning, they significantly contribute to pollution. Most pubs in the US are moving away from them and switching to more modern options.
If you haven’t yet, it’s time to decide to make a total change. Instead of using disposable items, choose recyclable and biodegradable alternatives that serve the same purpose. Take this important step and join the trend of eco-friendly pubs.
Incorporating more Nutritious Ingredients in Pub Food
The goal is to increase the nutritional value of your pub food, including meat, fish, and plant-based dishes. This can entail adding more volume of fruits, vegetables, pulses, nuts, or whole grains. It can also ensure they make up a more significant proportion of each plate, including a wider variety of plant-based foods.
As you know, a variety of diets is beneficial for gut health. Consuming whole plant proteins instead of ultra-processed options and more fermented foods can help maintain a healthy diet.
