If you are looking to build a catering business but want to ensure it is environmentally friendly, you may not know where to start. Here are a few tips to help you on your eco-friendly catering journey.
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The Basics
Firstly, start with the basics. Use eco-friendly packaging to store and transport food, use power-saving appliances, use paper cups instead of single-use cups, etc. When you are looking to buy something, whatever it may be, first see if there is an eco-friendly option.
Limit Single-Use Items
It is important to keep the amount of single-use items you use to a minimum. Whether it be in the preparation, storage, transport, or serving phase, avoid using items that 99% of customers will throw away when they’re done using it.
If this is unavoidable, head down the route of using recyclable items. For instance, wooden or bamboo cutlery, paper cups, etc.
Offer More Vegetarian/Vegan Options
When it comes to the food, it is well-known that growing and eating vegetables are more eco-friendly when compared to meat. While it may not always be possible to not offer meat at all, fill your menu and offerings with vegetarian and vegan options.
Seasonal Menu
Another way to cut down on your environmental impact is to build seasonal menus. For example, if it isn’t orange season, the only ones you can buy would be imported, which requires the use of trucks, ships, etc.
On the other hand, if you replace oranges with a fruit that is in season in your country, it will require less transport to get to you, and therefore be better for the environment.
Grow Your Own Food
Lastly, if you have the land, you can take the steps to grow your own food. Even if you can’t grow everything you may need, growing something as small as the herbs you use will make a much bigger difference than you may think.
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Managing Food Waste
Have a plan in place to reduce food waste, both in the preparation process, and once your clients are done eating. In the cooking process, recycle ingredients and use them in a different dish; for example, onion, celery, and carrot scraps can all be used to create a base for a sauce.
When it comes to reducing food waste with your clients, be mindful of your portion sizes. A very easy way to limit waste is to simply not overcook and not serve massive portions. Therefore, be sure to know how many people you are cooking for, and then portion appropriately.
Beverage Station
If you are going to provide drinks, rather go down the route of creating a beverage station, instead of buying dozens of bottled or canned drinks. A large jug of homemade lemonade, for instance, creates far less waste than a case of soda.
Recycling
Recycling should be at the forefront of your mind every single day. It is a crucial step in being eco-friendly, and therefore, it should be a step that you place a heavy emphasis on. In catering, recycling can sometimes be tricky, especially if you are not present when the food and drinks are served.
Therefore, as mentioned in the beginning, use eco-friendly packaging and cutlery, and limit the amount of plastic and foil you use. This means that even if your clients simply throw the packaging away, it won’t be as bad as if the packaging were plastic.
Composting
Another way to deal with food waste is to simply compost it. If you don’t want to reuse ingredients, composting it is the next best thing. Plus, compost that is packed with the minerals and nutrients from the food waste is amazing for plants and vegetables.
Be Energy Efficient
As mentioned previously, be sure to use equipment and appliances that are energy efficient. Nowadays, most modern appliances will have an energy efficiency rating, and the higher the rating, the better.
You should also remember this when it comes to other aspects of your business outside of cooking, such as using energy-efficient lightbulbs, lanterns, etc. Additionally, you can also cook without using electricity, too.
Barbecuing food not only makes your menu slightly different from the norm, but you don’t use any electricity and you can cook massive amounts of food at once.
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Clean With Eco-Friendly Products
You can also lower your impact on the environment by using eco-friendly cleaning products. Nowadays, there are plenty of brands creating cleaning products that don’t contain any harmful chemicals.
You can also make your own cleaning products; white vinegar and a few drops of essential oil, for example, create a simple and hygienic surface spray. Plus, you can make these mixtures in bulk and they are often far cheaper than regular, store-bought cleaning products.
Get Your Vehicle/s Serviced Regularly
Finally, be sure to keep your vehicles up to date and running smoothly. Something small, such as a dip in tyre pressure, can make your vehicle use more fuel. Therefore, be sure to get it checked out and serviced regularly is a must.
If you have the money available, an even better step is to switch to an electric car, or a hybrid. As we all know, both of these types of vehicles use much less fuel, and are therefore better for the environment.