Catering and Climate Change: What You Can Do

For many people and businesses, climate change is a primary concern. Now referred to as a ‘climate crisis’ by some, the change in the environment and in the health of our planet is being faced head on, with many businesses gradually ‘going green’.

Many businesses are being looked to as role models, setting an example for how to proceed, and in particular, certain players in the catering industry are leading the way.

But what are some of the ways that you can tackle climate change in your own business? With all the changing information, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Below, we have rounded up some of the simple, key ways that the catering industry is making a difference, and how you can too.

Whether a small gesture or a big change, any contribution you make in your business can help to make an impact. It is not necessary to aim for perfection overnight, but consistent improvement is good for your business, your budget — and the environment.

1) Reduce Waste

It is perhaps the most obvious example, but reducing your waste is one of the most effective ways to ‘go Green’ and help the environment. It is not only great for the planet, but also for your budget.

Reducing waste might mean cutting down on menu portion sizes, or using the same ingredients across a number of options to reduce leftovers.

It might mean reconsidering your inventory, changing your menu to only include the most popular selections, or offering further discounts to reduce what is thrown away.

This approach isn’t just for your ingredients either. It can also extend to your catering equipment, as we will explore in our other suggestions below.

2) Recycle

Reducing waste and recycling can be a great way for your business to go Green. This might mean having separate recycling bins so that glass, paper, and metals are not going to waste, or even a dedicated compost bin. But it can also mean your equipment too.

Equipment can be one of the most important aspects of your catering business. It affects how well your ingredients are cooked, as well as how much water and electricity you are using. Faulty equipment, for example, is almost always less energy-efficient than a well-functioning model.

Many businesses are now choosing refurbished or pre-owned catering equipment as a way to save money and help the environment. It reduces waste, reduces the overuse of energy, and helps to repurpose existing models.

At Caterquip, we have a whole range of high-quality equipment refurbished to industry standards. That’s why catering professionals trust experienced businesses like ours, time and again.

If you are keen to reduce waste, reuse products, and recycle equipment, then we have a range of options to suit you. Consider refurbished options on all your catering equipment needs, and your business will be much closer to achieving ‘Green’ status.

3) Increase Plant-Based Options

Many consumers — and businesses — are now choosing to go entirely plant-based, reducing or eliminating meat, dairy, and animal products from their consumption.

This may not be viable for you or your business, but there are lots of ways to get involved. Meat-free Mondays have proved a popular choice for those trying to reduce their intake of meat — whether for health or environmental reasons, as has Veganuary, and other plant-based choices.

Meat and dairy are associated with larger carbon emissions and environmental destruction — especially when carried out on a large or intensive scale, such as on a factory farm. Even offering a plant-based option can significantly reduce your carbon footprint, and help the environment overall.

Many businesses are now exploring and offering a wide range of plant-based options.

4) Save Water and Energy

Wasting energy such as gas and electricity, as well as wasting water, are all associated with environmental damage. Not only can this be bad for the planet, but it has an adverse affect on your business budget too.

Explore ways to reduce your energy uses, such as with different bulbs or electronics. Always try to ensure that your catering equipment is well serviced and working at proper capacity. That way, you can be sure that a faulty appliance is not guzzling unnecessary power or water.

You can take small steps in practice too, such as encouraging staff to turn off the lights and taps after each use, and especially, when not in use at all. Through smaller steps and larger measures, you will slowly see a reduction in your usage.

Whatever steps you can take, going green can have a positive effect on both your business and the planet.