All food industry owners can agree that the amount of energy and resources allocated to continue its procedures and operations is quite a lot—and when we say a lot, we are talking about a lot of energy and raw materials consumed to keep the business going. We can assume that if there is any industry we can consider as one of the front liners to make green revolution possible, that will start with the food industry—and we can start in the commercial kitchen of every food industry we know.
Here are some of the ways how the food industry can create a big impact in making the environment a safe place for the consumers even as time passes by. Any amount of change, regardless of how small or big these changes are, would affect the future generations more than we can imagine.
There are things that we have to modify in the procedures and the operations carried out for a more efficient and ‘green’ environment for everyone.
Get a grip: Reduce your water consumption
All restaurants, cafeteria, or diner may use quite a lot of water and that is inevitable. You need a significant amount of water to wash your dishes—mostly through the use of commercial dishwashers. As we all know, commercial dishwashers can be a convenient choice so you can assure that all your dishes are properly sanitized. However, these commercial dishwashers somehow consume a lot of water in every cycle. Remember that the longer the cleaning cycle is, the more water is usually used.
Should you replace your commercial dishwashers? Of course, not. We are still after efficiency but we have to be considerate of our water consumption. So how should we start? If you are to purchase a commercial dishwasher from a provider such as Warewashing Solutions, make sure that it bears an energy saver logo on it. In setting the utensils for washing, separate the soiled ones from the not-so soiled ones so that the dishes that must need thorough cleaning will get what the proper sanitation it needs and the not-so soiled dishes can be given a lesser amount of cleaning cycles. This will save more water and energy as well. If you are manually cleaning the dishes, be mindful of when the faucet should be turned on and off. Water should not continuously run if it is not needed yet. Save more from your bill and you are also saving the planet from that deed.
Be an energy saver!: Reduce energy consumption
To have a decent and conducive restaurant must not hurt the pocket—you can have good lighting, equipment, and ventilation without compromising your energy bill once and for all. Use equipment with the energy saver logo as a start. Further, optimize your thermostat settings and have your restaurant checked by trusted utility companies so they can help you further save energy.
Recycle: biodegradable and non-biodegradable
With too much waste that you may generate, you must have a proper disposal system for your waste materials while considering the biodegradable and non-biodegradable principles. Use compactors and pulpers to help you with the processing of these waste materials that you can also recycle. These steps are beneficial not only for your business but also for the environment. In as much as you care about your energy and water consumption, your waste materials must be properly taken care of so they will not hurt the environment once and for all.
All government agencies are with you to make these possible and all you have to do is to cooperate and be committed to the cause. Wouldn’t it be a good thing to be recognized in the food industry as a business that cares about the environment? Of course, it is a very good thing.
Support local: Go Green!
When you support locals, these mean that you will support local communities that can provide the resources you need for your business. This does not only mean pure business because if you support them, but it will also create a big impact on how these people can produce their products with the utmost quality so it can be purchased by other consumers as well. When you support locals, you help your neighborhood gain livelihood, you help the environment, and you help your business lessen its dividends.
Raise Awareness: Stay committed to the cause
Being in the food industry is a business we all want to benefit from. And that is a fact. But we must not set aside the green revolution to make sure that as we profit and gain a better future, we are not letting the environment suffer for our negligence.
As part of the food industry, you must raise awareness in assuring that the ‘green’ protocols are implemented continuously and that your people are aware and committed to the cause as well. Conducting research and action plans can be also necessary to make sure that the cause is always on the go. Go green, and support the green revolution. And that will start with your kitchen.