Ideas For Creating a Sustainable Program For the Catering Industry

Sustainability as a concept is really about survival.save time and money recycling unnecessary
Simply put, it's about finding the belief, tools andpackaging material.
actions that allow for us to continue to exist as aLocal Suppliers
species. It's like we've journeyed so far in the wrongGive local suppliers a chance to compete for your
direction, that we are now trying to find our waybusiness. You're saving on expensive transportation
back to a place we had long since past. It really begscosts as well as having your hard-earned dollars stay
the question: Weren't our communities sustainable atin your community.
one point and time?Farmers Markets
Being environmentally responsible is really aboutMany cities have a wholesale farmers market
making better choices and many require a simple shiftprograms. Vendors will often deliver directly to your
in attitude. With respect to sustainability, there arebusiness at no charge making it both convenient and
the obvious choices of energy efficient light bulbs andaffordable. Also, you have to added bonus of being
aerators on taps to save water. Other choices proveable to tell your clients just where the lettuce in their
harder to make as they invariably are very timesalad came from.
consuming and have a direct impact your bottom line.Education
but like most things in life, the most rewarding thingsAcquiring Knowledge
are often not the easiest to accomplish.Another area of sustainability that's critical is
Here are some useful ideas to kick-start your owneducation. Attending conferences like the "Slow Food
sustainability program.Nation Conference" in San Francisco is an opportunity
Look For a Local, City Sponsored Programto gain valuable insight as well as see where
Begin your search on-line by finding what programssustainability is headed, Talking with growers and
already exist in your area. Joining a local, governmentproducers from your area offers learning
sponsored environmental group is a great way toopportunities. Most importantly, the potential of the
begin your companies journey to sustainability asinternet to create critical mass around sustainability
you'll often find the necessary resources in onecannot be overlooked. For In the end, you can't have
convenient place. Some organizations will do in-housemeaningful change without critical mass.
assessments of your business and help you to set upBe a Resource
achievable goals.Document and your new-found sustainability
Waste Managementawareness and offer it up as a resource to others in
Call you current waste services provider to see ifyour community. Consider devoting a section of your
they have a compost program. What you'll no doubtwebsite to sustainability.
find is the increased costs of composting will beSummary
off-set the decreased costs of your regular garbageOne clear benefit of being a relatively small company
pick-up. Your next challenge was be getting staff tois that you can draft policy concerning sustainability
change their behavior!and effect change quickly. Have a bottom up
Packagingmentality that encourages input from all your staff.
A necessary evil, but how much of it do you reallyContinually set up new projects and achievable goals
need? When working with local suppliers make afor your business. Sustainability really is a never
point of asking for as little packaging as possible. Bothending journey complete with wrong turns and
you and your supplier benefit. Your supplier saves onunsuccessful summit attempts, but one thing is clear,
the cost of producing packaging material and youthe journey once embarked upon can never stop!