These days, everyone is thinking about going green. But food business owners have to balance responsibility to the environment as well as their own business. According to Energy Star, purchasing items such as “fryers, steamers, broilers, griddles, ovens, coolers, freezers, and HVAC systems,” can help save money, energy and the environment.
Implementing a few environmentally friendly tips to your business can be very beneficial. We’ve collected some of the best ways for mobile food businesses to go green without going broke.
1. PRODUCE LESS WASTE
Let’s just say it’s easier said than done! Reducing the amount of trash that you produce helps to save the environment and it helps you save money. In turn, you can use the cost savings to invest in other areas of your business. You can reduce the trash that you produce by being careful to print only the number of flyers and marketing materials that you really need and by using two-sided printing when possible.
2. CONTRIBUTE TO COMPOST PILES INSTEAD OF LANDFILLS
Let’s just say it’s easier said than done! Reducing the amount of trash that you produce helps to save the environment and it helps you save money. In turn, you can use the cost savings to invest in other areas of your business. You can reduce the trash that you produce by being careful to print only the number of flyers and marketing materials that you really need and by using two-sided printing when possible.
3. CALCULATE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
It’s hard to know if you should work harder to be green if you don’t know how green you are right now. To get started, check out this small business carbon footprint calculator offered by UC Berkeley.
4. PURCHASE LOCALLY WHEN POSSIBLE
Nowadays, more people are drawn to support local shops in their area. SmallBusiness.com reported that “40% of respondents want to support the small businesses,” It can create a sense of community and help your economy at the same time. A great way to make your food business more green is to support local food producers. This might make purchasing your ingredients a little more expensive, but using locally grown food could help you appeal to more customers. Using fresh, local ingredients could be what sets you apart from other food businesses. It also gives you an opportunity to let your customers know that you are trying to run a more sustainable business. Buy items that are in season and create a seasonal menu to add variety!
5. IF YOUR BUSINESS USES LIGHT BULBS, BE SURE TO USE CFL BULBS
Using CFL light bulbs will help you go green and save money. These bulbs may initially cost more but they will be an investment that will save you money in the long run because they will last longer and decrease the amount of energy you require. By using eco-friendly bulbs, you can do your part to help the environment and save energy.
6. STOP USING STYROFOAM
Styrofoam is one of the worst materials you could use because it takes hundreds of years to biodegrade. By switching to paper products instead of styrofoam cups, boxes, and bowls, you’ll be taking a significant step toward making your business more environmentally friendly. Look into buying paper products in bulk in order to save more money.
7. SOAK DISHES INSTEAD OF RUNNING WATER OVER THEM
Rather than rinsing dishes for an extended period in hot water, try soaking them to loosen grease and grime. You can focus on other tasks while you’re soaking dishes. This tactic also makes it easier to clean your dishes. This will help you save water, which is good for the environment and for your wallet.
8. REDUCE FOOD SPOILAGE
Be careful not to let the produce that you buy spoil. Throwing away food is a waste of money and a waste of resources. If you do find yourself with more food than you will be able to use before it spoils, try donating the excess to a local food bank. You can also contact a fellow food business owner, a homeless shelter, or share your excess food with family/friends.
9. RECYCLE
Finally, find out what you can do to recycle your trash and encourage your customers to do the same. You may want to put a recycling bin near your business to encourage customers to recycle what they can. This will show your customers that you are thoughtful about the effect of your business on the environment. You can drop off the recycled items at your local recycling center.
If you would like to learn more about how you can run a green business, check out the Green Restaurant Association and see how you can improve. They have helped thousands of restaurants improve their operations and can be a resource for you!
ABOUT FLIP
Food Liability Insurance Program (FLIP) provides comprehensive coverage designed for food business owners, such as Vendors, caterers, bakers, chefs, and other food providers. Our annual policy is designed to respond in the case of a lawsuit arising out of their business operations. FLIP is proud to a leader within the insurance space and is proud to offer coverage in all 50 states. You can always count on FLIP to keep you covered.
Sources:
Top-10-Ways-for-Local-Businesses-to-Go-Green.html
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BY LYNDSEY LARSEN
Lyndsey Larsen is the Marketing Manager and writes about business, marketing, entrepreneurship, and insurance.
Lyndsey Larsen is an experienced writer with a background in corporate communications nonprofits, SAAS corporations, and nutraceutical companies. She has previously worked as a journalist for regional and national publications. In her spare time, she enjoys chasing butterflies, rockhounding, and spending time with her two kids in Utah’s mountains or deserts. Find Lyndsey on LinkedIn.
