Simple Updates to Make Your Bar More Eco- Friendly

The environment has been a hot topic of conversation for years. However, in more recent years, sustainability efforts have become more important to consumers. If you’re a modern bar owner, it’s important to take note of those trends and consider ways to make your bar more eco-friendly.

Before you start adding up what that might cost, consider starting small. You don’t need to install solar panels tomorrow. Instead, focus on simple updates you can do quickly and effectively to make your bar more eco-friendly.

Not only will updating your bar with sustainability in mind draw in new audiences of customers, but it can save you money and boost your brand’s positive visibility.

Some of the smallest changes can have a big impact on your carbon footprint. Not sure where to get started? Let’s cover some simple eco-friendly updates you can put into place right away.

Make Your Bar More Energy-Efficient

Maybe you don’t have the funds to spring for all new energy-efficient appliances in your bar, but there are changes you can make with your existing equipment and practices to cut back on energy waste. Some of the easiest ways to save on energy usage include

• Switching to LED lighting
• Maintaining major appliances like refrigerators and coolers
• Optimizing hot water settings
• Installing energy-efficient windows
• Using motion sensors for lighting

The easiest way to make these changes is to get your employees on board. Have “reminders” everywhere about how your workers can be more energy-efficient, and let your patrons know you’re taking positive steps to reduce your energy consumption.

It’s also important to think about the energy being used to get your products. Consider researching your suppliers and switching to companies that take sustainability seriously. Many brands are going eco-friendly with their practices, so it shouldn’t be hard to work with a supplier who uses less energy to create their products and considers sustainable supply chain efforts, too.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

We’ve all heard that classic phrase when it comes to giving back to the planet, but it’s a mantra you should implement into your bar practices if you’re trying to be more eco-friendly.

Consider cutting back on single-use items like plastic straws or silverware. If your bar serves food, make your to-go containers recyclable or biodegradable. Even switching to mobile accounting rather than printing out countless receipts and reports can help to cut back on the paper you use and end up throwing away.

Don’t be afraid to get creative when it comes to what you can upcycle in your bar. Some of the food you use in your popular dishes can be “reimagined.” For example, if you serve lemon-pepper chicken wings, don’t throw away the lemon peels! Use them as garnishes for refreshing cocktails.

If you want to start with something easy, set up a recycling station behind your bar that simplifies the process of separating glass, plastic, and paper. It’s something all of your employees should be able to do, and you’ll quickly realize how much you were throwing away before.

Bars and pubs have thrived on creativity for years. Whether you’re trying to reduce food waste, recycle more paper and plastic goods, or reuse items that might typically get thrown away, this is an important message to keep in mind as you formulate a sustainability strategy.

Go Natural With Your Decor

If you want your patrons to know you take sustainability seriously, advertise it in your decor and the overall “theme” of your bar. Patrons are likely to feel comfortable in a more natural-looking setting and may even be willing to pay more money if they know you’re taking positive steps to reduce your carbon footprint. If you were already considering a bar remodel, consider some of the following ideas to keep things as “green” as possible.

• Using reclaimed wood for the bar and tables
• Upcycling old chairs and benches
• Using local flowers to brighten up the environment
• Adding more windows to increase natural light

Even bringing in live plants will make a difference when it comes to the environment and energy of the bar. Indoor plants can help to reduce stress and boost people’s moods – sounds like a perk for your patrons, doesn’t it?

If you really want to get people talking, utilize any outdoor space you might have to set up a butterfly garden or even a vegetable and herb garden that you utilize for your food menu. If you decide to plant flowers, you can then press and preserve them to later use as decor within the bar itself.

These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to updates that will make your bar more eco-friendly. Make sure your employees are on board, stand by your efforts, and let your patrons know that you’re doing everything you can to create a more eco-friendly experience while they enjoy their drinks. You might be surprised by how many new people you draw in because of it, and how many loyal customers appreciate what you’re doing.

Special thanks to Jori Hamilton for this Great Beer Now Guest Post!