Green restaurants strive to "go green" in many ways, including reducing food waste, energy waste and water waste. For many restaurants, the first step is to get the staff, customers and vendors all involved in going green. Not only will adopting green practices cut costs, but it will project a positive public image to the customers.
The largest area of waste in most restaurants is food waste. One of the best ways eco-friendly restaurants limit the amount of food they waste is by composting food scraps and using it for animal feed.
To reduce water waste, restaurants may install water-efficient dishwashers, wash only full loads, pre-soak pots and pans, and use the cooking water from vegetables for soup stock. In addition, green restaurants promptly repair all water leaks, install aerators, and install water-efficient toilets.
When conserving electricity, eco-friendly restaurants have many options. They can install fluorescent lighting, occupancy censored lighting, purchase smaller, more energy efficient appliances, install programmable thermostats and change air filters on a regular basis.
Many restaurants are also switching over to recycled, tree-free, biodegradable, organic products, chlorine-free paper products, and non-toxic cleaning and chemical products.
