Sustainability Is No Longer Optional: Why Foodservice’s Future Depends on It
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By Andrew Greene | Andrew@HospitalityNewsNY.com
Sustainability has moved from being an industry trend to becoming an important part of how successful foodservice operations do business. Restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilities, schools and other foodservice organizations are recognizing that responsible practices can benefit both the environment and the bottom line. And physical waste capacity. Foodservice consumes significant amounts of energy, water, food, packaging and other resources. Reducing waste, purchasing responsibly, installing energy-efficient equipment and conserving water can lower an operation’s environmental impact while significantly reducing operating costs. Food waste is particularly important. Better forecasting, portion control, inventory management, donation programs of surplus food and composting as a last resort can help operators reduce the amount of food sent to landfills while getting greater value from what they purchase. Customers have a role to play here and are also paying attention. Increasingly, guests want to know where their food comes from, how businesses treat employees and whether companies are making responsible environmental choices. Sustainability can therefore become part of a hospitality brand’s identity and reputation.
For all leaders regardless of your profession, sustainability isn't simply about protecting tomorrow it is about operating smarter today. initiatives and a colleague and dear friend Monalisa gave me. The pin is pictured above, wearing it with my mother on my jacket, it is a special gift I wear with a sense of duty and pride and we will be featuring more about the UN development goals in future editions! The connection between sustainability and kitchens of all sizes in foodservice ultimately comes down to responsibility and smart business. Operators don't have to change everything overnight. Progress can begin with practical steps that save resources, reduce waste and strengthen communities. The United Nationals has developed Development Goals that highlight key
Hospitality News / National Edition / Sept 2026 / Page 21
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