Are you environmentally sustainable in the kitchen? Don’t think there are ways to save the environment when cooking at scale? The truth is that there are many ways to be environmentally sustainable in any kitchen.
How to Be Environmentally Sustainable in the Kitchen
Here are a few tips to help you along the way:
Tip #1: Use a Lid When Boiling
Put a lid on the pot that you are boiling. This will trap the heat and reduce the amount of energy used to boil water. It will also save water from evaporating, so you save water in the process.
Tip #2: Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Although there are strict health codes that ensure a clean restaurant, you can opt for commercial-strength eco-friendly cleaning products. There are many new products that are on the market. Just make sure that the cleaners you are using are up to health code standards.
Tip #3: Energy Efficient Cooking
To use fewer fossil fuels in the kitchen, use an electric oven instead of propane or gas. An even more energy-efficient cooking style is using a pressure cooker. This can reduce the cooking time, which will also save energy in the long run.
Energy-efficient appliances can also reduce the amount of electricity used in the kitchen. Appliances with Energy Star ratings are a good starting point. This also includes commercial dishwashers and other appliances you will find in a restaurant kitchen. With the amount of use these appliances get, having an energy-efficient one is a boon to the climate and your checkbook.
Tip #4: Farm To Table
Not only are you supporting your local growers, but buying locally also reduces the time the food is in the supply chain. Less travel time means less fossil fuels. You are also helping local growers and the local economy.
Tip #5: Reduce Food Waste
Even though you may buy in bulk, make sure to buy only what you need and 86 a dish when you run out of an ingredient. Plus, keeping your refrigerator and freezer at the proper temperatures will keep food from spoiling and allow you to use the leftover food from the night before. Also important is reviewing expiration dates when you purchase and when food is left in the refrigerator. Make sure to use older ingredients first, as long as they are to the high standards you set in your kitchen.
Tip #6: Recycling & Composting
Anything recyclable should be kept out of the landfill. Aluminum foil and plastics can be recycled, so do your part and sort your trash. Instead of putting the excess food into the garbage, implement composting. Not only will this save landfill space, but it will also help enrich the community garden.
Why are Environmentally Sustainable Kitchens Important?
Your kitchen can help reduce, reuse, and recycle. These are some reasons why having an environmentally sustainable kitchen is so important.
The Discernable Patron
Not only are sustainable practices good for the environment but being sustainable is also a good brand position for customers. Many customers will vote with their pocketbook. For them picking restaurants that are environmentally sustainable is becoming common practice. Show your customers you care about the environment, and they will return the favor.
Reduce Costs
Every restaurant wants to save money but try doing it without compromising quality. Your patrons come to your restaurant for good, tasty food, so keep the quality high while spending less.
It can be easy to save energy by using a lid when boiling. Using less energy and water can help reduce costs in the kitchen. Find ways to reduce energy usage and use energy-efficient appliances to help reduce the strain on the pocketbook, especially since some restaurants have a slim profit margin.
Reduce Waste
Any restaurateur should strive to keep as much waste out of the landfill as possible. Recycling and composting are two great ways to reduce waste. Only use recyclable plastic, and if you must use paper products, make sure they come from recycled sources.
Support Climate Change
This can be easier than you think. Using less propane and gas can reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Plus, electricity is created using energy, so reducing your burden on the electrical grid is also a great way to reduce climate change.
Want to Learn More?
Do you want to learn how to be environmentally sustainable in a commercial kitchen? Los Angeles Hospitality Education Center wants to train you in the Culinary Arts and sustainability in the kitchen. This program prepares you for entry-level culinary employment with opportunities for advancement in the food service industry.
Contact us now to learn more.
