Green restaurants are companies that have passed a rigorous examination to determine whether or not they are complying with good environmental practices. The certification process is extremely difficult and only restaurants that meet or exceed the requirements of the Green Restaurant Association will be accepted into the program. Once they attain their certification, certain steps must be taken to ensure that the company continues to operate in a green manner.
This means that the products purchased by a green restaurant must conform to certain guidelines. It is beneficial for consumers to know what kind of products these restaurants must use in order to maintain their status. The GRA has released a list of different products that meet their qualifications for use in a green restaurant.
One of the most common problems for green restaurants are take out containers. Customers may want to be able to take extra food home with them, but these containers take up a lot of landfill space and are generally not degradable. In order to circumvent this problem, the GRA recommends that the containers be purchased from Fold-Pak, a company that specializes in the creation of biodegradable containers that are made from 100% recycled materials.
Paper products are also another big issue for green restaurants. The GRA recommends purchasing them from the Cascades Tissue Group a company that produces numerous different kinds of napkins for the food service industry. These napkins are all made of 100% recycled material and have the added benefit of being chlorine free. This company also manufactures bathroom tissues, facial tissues and many other paper products that can be used in a green restaurant.
The number one problem in landfills today is plastic bags. These bags never degrade and although they are small and crushable, they still account for the majority of space used by landfills. In keeping with smart environmental practices, the GRA recommends that green restaurants use bags made by the Duro Bag Mfg Company. These bags are made from 100% recycled material and they are processed chemical free.
Even regular items like sinks, sprayers and steam cookers can be earth friendly. Green restaurants can find recommendations from the GRA on special sinks that use much less water and feature solar powered water heaters. In addition, they provide information on steamers that can reduce the amount of cooking time by 72%, presenting a significant energy savings.
Although it isn’t easy for a green restaurant to maintain their certification, it can be done. You can also rest assured knowing that the products you are using from that restaurant are safe for the environment and for your use. If you are committed to doing your part to save the planet, try to frequent more green restaurants to show your support. They need your business.
Green Restaurant Packaging: An Overview
In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the environmental impact of food packaging. Packaging waste accounts for a significant portion of the total waste generated by the food industry, and much of it is not biodegradable. This has led to an increased focus on environmentally-friendly alternatives, particularly in the restaurant industry. One such alternative is green restaurant packaging.
Green restaurant packaging refers to packaging that is designed to minimize its environmental impact. This can be achieved through a variety of means, including the use of recycled materials, biodegradable materials, and packaging that is designed to be reused or recycled. In this article, we will explore the benefits of green restaurant packaging and some of the ways that restaurants are adopting this approach.
Benefits of Green Restaurant Packaging
Green restaurant packaging offers a range of benefits, both for the environment and for the businesses that adopt it. Some of the key benefits of green restaurant packaging include:
Reduces Waste: Green restaurant packaging is designed to be environmentally-friendly, which means that it is often recyclable or biodegradable. This helps to reduce the amount of waste generated by the food industry and minimizes the impact of packaging on the environment.
Saves Money: By reducing waste and making packaging more environmentally-friendly, businesses can save money on disposal costs. This is because they will generate less waste that needs to be disposed of, and they may also be able to sell recycled materials for a profit.
Improves Brand Image: Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their purchases, and many are looking for businesses that are taking steps to minimize their impact on the environment. By adopting green restaurant packaging, businesses can improve their brand image and attract environmentally-conscious customers.
Increases Customer Satisfaction: Customers appreciate businesses that are taking steps to minimize their environmental impact, and they are more likely to return to restaurants that offer environmentally-friendly packaging options.
Ways Restaurants are Adopting Green Packaging
There are a number of ways that restaurants are adopting green packaging, including:
Using Recycled Materials: Many restaurants are choosing to use packaging made from recycled materials, such as recycled paper or recycled plastic. This helps to reduce the demand for new materials and reduces the impact of packaging on the environment.
Biodegradable Packaging: Some restaurants are choosing to use biodegradable packaging, which is designed to break down into natural materials over time. This helps to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Reusable Packaging: Another approach that some restaurants are taking is to offer reusable packaging. For example, customers may be able to bring their own containers or order food in reusable containers that can be returned to the restaurant for cleaning and reuse.
Compostable Packaging: Compostable packaging is another option that is becoming increasingly popular in the restaurant industry. This type of packaging is designed to break down into natural materials over time, making it an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional packaging materials.
Reducing Package Sizes: Another way that restaurants are adopting green packaging is by reducing the size of their packaging. This not only helps to reduce waste, but it also saves money on materials and shipping costs.
Conclusion
Green restaurant packaging offers a range of benefits for both the environment and for businesses. By adopting this approach, restaurants can reduce waste, save money, improve their brand image, and increase customer satisfaction.
