Become More Eco-Friendly

As a fast casual food operator, you're likely no stranger to the convenience and efficiency of disposable goods. From packaging and take-out bags to straws, napkins, and utensils, disposable products have become an integral part of the fast casual experience. However, this reliance on single-use items comes with a significant environmental cost. In this article, we'll explore the statistics behind the disposable goods used in fast casual operations, and provide practical solutions for reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

The Statistics: A Comparison with Traditional Restaurants

To put the environmental impact of fast casual operations into perspective, let's compare the use of disposable goods in fast casual restaurants with traditional restaurants that employ reusable dishes, glass drinkware, cloth napkins, and silverware.

• According to the National Restaurant Association, the average fast casual restaurant generates around 200 pounds of waste per day, with a significant portion of that waste consisting of disposable packaging, bags, and utensils.
• In contrast, a traditional restaurant using reusable dishes and utensils generates around 50 pounds of waste per day.
• The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the production and disposal of disposable food packaging and utensils results in around 25 million tons of waste per year.
• A study by the Natural Resources Defense Council found that the average American uses around 50 pounds of disposable plastic straws per year, with many of these straws ending up in oceans and waterways.

Solutions for Reducing Waste

So, what can fast casual operators do to reduce their environmental impact? Here are a few practical solutions:

1. Fiber Take-Out Containers: Switch from traditional plastic or foam take-out containers to fiber-based containers made from plant-based materials such as bamboo or sugarcane. These containers are biodegradable, compostable, and can be customized with your brand's logo.
2. Paper-Based Straws: Replace plastic straws with paper-based straws made from sustainable materials such as bamboo or sugarcane. These straws are biodegradable and compostable, reducing the amount of plastic waste generated by your operation.
3. Paper To-Go Bags: Switch from plastic to-go bags to paper bags made from recycled materials. These bags are biodegradable, compostable, and can be customized with your brand's logo.
4. Wood Chopsticks: If you're an Asian restaurant, consider switching from plastic or disposable chopsticks to wood chopsticks. Wood chopsticks are biodegradable, compostable, and can be sourced from sustainable forests.
5. Metal Straws: Offer metal straws as an alternative to paper or plastic straws. Metal straws are reusable, durable, and can be customized with your brand's logo.

Incentivizing Customers to Go Green

To encourage customers to participate in your sustainability efforts, consider offering incentives such as:

1. Discounts for Bringing Reusable Bags: Offer a discount to customers who bring their own reusable bags or totes.
2. Discounts for Using Reusable Drinkware: Offer a discount to customers who bring their own reusable drinkware, such as a metal or glass tumbler.
3. Selling Metal Straws: Sell metal straws with your brand's logo, encouraging customers to switch from disposable straws to reusable ones.
4. Loyalty Program: Implement a loyalty program that rewards customers for participating in sustainability efforts, such as bringing reusable bags or drinkware.

Conclusion: A Message for the Environment

As fast casual operators, we have a responsibility to reduce our environmental impact and promote sustainability. By switching to fiber take-out containers, paper-based straws, and paper to-go bags, we can significantly reduce the amount of waste generated by our operations. By incentivizing customers to participate in our sustainability efforts, we can create a culture of environmental responsibility that benefits both our business and the planet.

As we move forward, let's remember that every small step counts. By making conscious choices about the products we use and the waste we generate, we can create a more sustainable future for our customers, our communities, and our planet.

Join the Movement:

• Share your sustainability efforts on social media using hashtags such as #SustainabilityInAction and #FastCasualGoesGreen.
• Encourage your customers to participate in your sustainability efforts by sharing tips and tricks for reducing waste.
• Collaborate with other fast casual operators to share best practices and promote sustainability throughout the industry.

Together, we can make a difference and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Are you looking for even more ways to be more eco-friendly? We can help!

If you are interested in private consulting, do not hesitate to hit the button below!