The pub. A cornerstone of British culture, a place for pints, conversation, and community. But can a lively pub also be an eco-friendly space? Absolutely! With a few tweaks, pubs can become sustainable without sacrificing the charm that keeps customers coming back for more.
Going Local
One of the biggest impacts a pub can make is by embracing local sourcing. British farms and producers are brimming with ingredients, and shortening the distance from farm to pint reduces your carbon footprint. Not only does this taste great, but it supports local businesses and establish a connection to the community.
Food waste is a big issue in the hospitality industry. Here, pubs can get creative. Offer smaller portion sizes or “doggy bag” options for leftovers. Get your chefs on board with “root-to-shoot” practices, where every part of the ingredient is used, minimizing waste.
As a staff member, you can absolutely suggest these to a manager! Maybe help they research and be active in the choosing. Many sustainable practices don’t go ahead because researching the right avenues takes time out of an already hectic workday. See if you know of anywhere local you can suggest!
Smarter Sipping
In lines with the UK single use plastic laws, many pubs are ditching plastic straws in favour of eco-friendly alternatives made from paper or bamboo. Consider offering reusable cloth napkins instead of paper ones. Even small changes like these add up.
When it comes to supplies, look for eco-friendly options. Biodegradable cleaning products, recycled coasters, and energy-efficient appliances are all ways to make a difference. The British Institute of Innkeeping’s Sustainability Champions Award recognises pubs that excel in these areas, so consider these practices an investment in potential recognition!
Awareness
Anyone is responsible for keeping a sustainable pub, no matter the role. Being mindful of what is recyclable, what can be reused safely, and keeping your carbon footprint down is a massive step for anyone.
Communication with your team keeps sustainability going, whether that is car-pooling to save on your travel miles as a team or starting a team compost will help you feel more comfortable as a group to make bigger decisions within the wider business.
As a manager, educate your staff about your eco-friendly practices and encourage them to share this knowledge with customers. Simple things like explaining the benefits of local sourcing or offering water in refillable jugs can spark conversations and make patrons feel good about their choices.
Second-hand Swag
Sourcing furniture for your business, especially if broken beyond repair, is always an expensive endeavour but by buying second-hand you are not only saving money but also being sustainable! Buying second-hand furniture means that something perfectly fine has no-longer ended up in landfill and can add to the warm and welcoming environment of your pub.
Along a similar vein, repurposing items you already have into another décor rather than throwing it out can keep you sustainable. Think, can you do anything with the wood from broken chairs? Can you make wine bottles into fairy light holders to add a bit of romance to the evening? or even turn old cooking pots into planters for herbs or other small plants.
Taking Sustainability to the Next Level
But pubs can do even more! Here are some additional ways to show your commitment to the environment:
- Craft Beer with a Conscience: Partner with local breweries that use sustainable practices, like water-saving techniques or spent grain recycling programs.
- Reusable Packaging: Consider offering refillable growlers for takeaway beer or partnering with a local delivery service that uses reusable containers.
- Get Crafty with Energy Saving: Encourage patrons to enjoy the pub’s outdoor space during warmer months. Install skylights to maximise natural light and invest in energy-efficient lighting and heating systems.
- Community Composting: Partner with a local composting program to divert food scraps from landfills. This creates valuable fertilizer for local farms, further closing the sustainability loop.Being an eco-friendly pub isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for business. Customers are increasingly drawn to sustainable practices, and pubs that embrace them position themselves as responsible members of the community.
