Keep it Green: Eco-Friendly Delivery

In 2018, we saw the demise of the plastic straw.

Today, customers nationwide are shifting to an eco-friendly mindset, demanding sustainable alternatives to wasteful packaging and food sourcing. In fact, a recent study claims that 90% of Millennials will spend more on “sustainable goods”.

As online ordering and delivery for restaurants gain in popularity, how do owners and operators stay green?

Here are 7 ways to keep delivery eco-friendly in your kitchen:

1. Veggie, Vegan, Organic, Locally-sourced

Your menu is typically the first impression for customers looking to order food for delivery through a third-party app. Customers interested in eco-friendly options typically seek out menu items (not just packaging!) that follow suit. By offering vegetarian, vegan, organic, or locally-sourced options, you’re helping the environment while appealing to a larger customer base!

2. Think Outside the Box

Packaging for delivery can create a lot of waste, but it doesn’t have to. Biodegradable packaging options like corn-based plastic bags, compostable to-go boxes, and paper straws are affordable ways to improve your eco-delivery. Keeping it green can impact the planet, but also make a lasting impression on your diners, making them customers for life.

3. Forks and Napkins? No thanks!

Most restaurants will supply napkins and plastic utensils in a to-go order, but these items can be optional! By giving diners a menu option, “No Utensils Please!”, your customers can help you in saving on unnecessary waste. Simply have customers check this box when ordering online and your staff will know to save the napkins for the next guest!

Just make sure it’s clear to customers, so they can make the choice that best suits them!

4. Order Green, Give Green $$$

Want to have your customers help you give back? Offer a “green” menu item, with a portion of the proceeds going to a local charity! Customers will know they’re supporting a business that supports the planet!

Plus, teaming up with a local charity can benefit both parties: supply lunch to volunteers in exchange for your sponsorship of an event!

5. In-house Ingredients

Does your restaurant use a lot of salsa? Jam? Hummus? Instead of outsourcing ingredients, team up with local farms and growers to bring these items in-house! Buying locally grown fruits and veggies supports your local economy and appeals to eco-conscious diners. And, you can add “yummy house-made, locally-sourced” to every menu item!

6. Consolidate and Save

Ordermark sends all your online orders to a single printer, saving you kitchen space and paper waste! When you consolidate all your online ordering into a single dashboard and printer, you save on excess equipment and everything that comes with it: ink, paper, space, and electricity!

Plus, your staff will thank you for saving them tons of time!

7. Join a Green Network!

Become a certified Green Restaurant by the Green Restaurant Association or join the Green Business Network to meet like minded restaurateurs and diners, seeking to make restaurants more eco-friendly!

In addition to meeting other restaurant owners, you’ll expand your network of diners looking for sustainable options.