Earth Day is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about steps you can take to reduce, reuse and recycle. As commercial kitchen professionals who care about being good stewards of our community and our planet, we want to have a positive impact and help others do the same.
With that said, it’s important to acknowledge the role that commercial kitchens play in the environmental problems we face. From food waste to single-use plastic to excessive energy consumption, there are many areas for improvement and choosing eco-conscious equipment and supplies is a great place to start. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite Earth-friendly products to help you take a step in the right direction.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
A simple way to make your kitchen more eco-friendly is to outfit it with energy-efficient appliances. You may be wondering, “How can I tell which appliances are energy-efficient?” We’re glad you asked! Look out for the ENERGY STAR® symbol in the product details. ENERGY STAR® is a program backed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that is committed to providing reliable information to consumers and businesses to help them make environmentally responsible decisions. Any product that has the ENERGY STAR® certified label has been independently evaluated to guarantee its energy efficiency. Not only are efficient appliances good for the environment, but they also save you money by cutting down on your electricity bill. Now that’s what we’d call a win-win.
We offer a variety of ENERGY STAR® certified products, from fryers to ice makers, from some of the industry’s most reputable brands. Here are some of our favorites.
Recycled and Reusable Products
One of the most responsible choices we can make as consumers is to purchase products that were made with recycled materials. Not only does recycling keep waste from going to the landfill, but it also prevents manufacturers from expending valuable energy on extracting new materials to create products from scratch. Remember that you don’t need to overhaul your entire supply closet to make a difference. You can start small with these TableCraft Marbella™ salt and pepper shakers, or with American Metalcraft’s Glacier™ serving bowls. Then, as you need to replace other items, you can be on the lookout for products that use recycled materials.
Another way to incorporate sustainable products is by using G.E.T.’s Eco-Takeouts® reusable containers. These containers are durable, transparent and stackable, and they can also be microwaved and cleaned in the dishwasher up to 1,000 times. Unlike Styrofoam or other flimsy to-go boxes, Eco-Takeouts provide the opportunity to reuse the container many times over. School campuses across the country are opting for this high-quality, reusable and recyclable option for student takeout containers. Students pay for the container once and then receive a discount on future meals if it is brought back. This system of use is not only saving students money but helping divert waste from the dump while also creating a better service experience.
Recycling Receptacles
Speaking of recycling, participating in your local recycling program is an easy and cost-effective way to make your business more environmentally responsible. Aside from benefiting the Earth, recycling can also have a positive impact on your business’s reputation. With more and more people joining the green movement, you can expect more consumers to inquire about eco-friendly practices in your establishment. By providing recycling receptacles like these to your customers and employees, you can show you’re on board with the cause.
The environmental challenges we face won’t be solved overnight, but small decisions like switching to energy-efficient appliances or eco-friendly containers can make a huge difference over time. This Earth Day, we hope you’ll join us in making progress in the right direction by incorporating more sustainable kitchen practices. If you have any questions about these products or other ways to make your business more sustainable, our Curtis Consultants would be happy to help. Schedule a consultation or call us at 918-622-7390 to get started today.
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