As a restaurant owner, there are many things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint in the fast-paced commercial kitchen environment. Sustainable dining practices are not only required for the well-being of the planet, but they are also high in-demand. Today, many more restaurants pay for products and services that make a positive impact on both their eatery and the environment. From the kitchen to your dining room and the restaurant and beyond, these options are effortless to incorporate into your day-to-day operations. Here are some pointers for creating a sustainable restaurant environment outside your kitchen!

Use Recyclable and Reusable Utensils and Cutlery

Make sure to say no to single-use plastics such as plastic flatware and dinnerware. If your restaurant currently relies heavily on single-use items, switch to products that can be composted or recycled. Most plastics will not decompose in a landfill. Luckily, many manufacturers and stores have started making and selling eco-friendly single-use items that are now biodegradable.

Phase Out Plastic Straws

It is estimated that every single day in America, consumers go through more than 500 million plastic straws! Most plastic straws aren’t heavy enough to make it through a recycling sorter, and too many end up polluting our ocean and hurting marine life. Instead of offering each customer a plastic straw, implement a policy that will only grant customers a straw upon request. You’d be surprised at how fewer straws you end up handing out. Another idea is to provide paper straws. They can be recycled and are a cheap alternative to plastic. H.C. Walterhoefer has paper straws in bulk, so grab some today!

Opt for Cloth over Paper in Your Dining Rooms

Paper napkins are another prevalent single-use item that could be avoided, especially in your sit-down dining rooms. Cloth napkins are washable and can last your restaurant for years. For any customers coming in for carry-out orders, hand them eco-friendly paper napkins that can be recycled. H.C. Walterhoefer also provides these in bulk.

Over 5,000 Products For Your Home or Business

At H.C. Walterhoefer, we have over 5,000 products ranging from paper goods to cleaning supplies to meet your personal or business needs. If you want something that we do not offer in our store, just ask us for it, and we will do our best to get it for you. Our store has everything you need! Stop by today to get supplies for your next event, all your restaurant needs, and the best cleaning products at the best prices. We even deliver! So call us today at 410-368-5070. We are located at 2331 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21230 and we are open from Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+ to stay up to date with everything H.C. Walterhoefer.