Bakeries are wonderful joints on every other street corner, offering a selection of delectable pastries and desserts. Though compared to energy, transportation or agriculture industry, bakeries don’t have a major carbon footprint. But considering the climate crises, every industry no matter how big or small needs to do their part in saving our planet.
Therefore, bakeries need to reform their practices to incorporate sustainability. If you run a bakery and want to contribute to this important cause, carry on reading.
1. Switch to Green Packaging
Product packaging is a crucial feature of any bakery. In today’s digital age, Instagram-worthy packaging can help a bakery stand out. Apart from designing aesthetically-pleasing packaging, make sure you’re manufacturing plastic-free packaging.
In addition to this, stop giving your customers plastic straws or cutlery. Offer paper straws and wooden cutlery or encourage your customers to carry reusable straws. These small things can make a significant difference.
2. Shop At Bulk Stores
Expanding the previous point, you can further reduce packaging waste by shopping at bulk stores. Plastic-free bulk stores are a sustainable way to source ingredients. Moreover, shopping at bulk stores is often cheaper than buying heavily-packaged ingredients. It can help you cut down business expenses and earn a higher profit.
3. Source Ingredients Locally
Do you haul and transport all your ingredients from long distances? If you wish to reduce your carbon footprint, then start sourcing ingredients locally. The lesser your transportation requirements, the better it is for our plant.
Not only will you help the environment, but you will be able to produce quality items with fresher ingredients. It’s a win-win!
4. Work with Green Vendors
If you truly want to make a difference, then sustainability has to become a part of your core ethos. Whether you’re looking for new equipment or packaging manufacturer, make it a goal to work with green vendors exclusively.
When you take the allegiance to sustainable beyond your internal operations, it sets an example for other vendors.
5. Use Water Consciously
Food and beverage industry is one of the major consumers of water. For a bakery, water is constantly required to bake goods, clean utensils and other essential functions. However, this doesn’t give you an excuse to waste water.
You should implement tools and practices to minimise your water usage. LitreMeter specialises in designing, manufacturing and supplying water-efficient flowmeters for bakeries.
6. Minimise Food Waste
For a long time, food waste has been a concern for the food and beverage industry. Bakeries, in particular, are notorious for throwing away baked products at the end of the day.
This is a colossal waste of effort and resources. Instead, you should donate or sell unused products at a discounted rate to homeless shelters, nursing homes and other charitable organisations.
You can also repurpose leftovers and give them to your family and friends. Or give them away as complimentary products with every sale you make.
7. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
No bakery can effectively work without baking equipment and appliances. If you’ve had the same oven or mixer for years, it’s time to upgrade. Switching to energy-efficient appliances will reduce your energy consumption and allow you to enjoy energy savings.
8. Offer Vegan Options
One of the most common reasons people give for not trying vegan food is lack of availability. Since baked goods are one of the easiest items to veganaise, you should introduce vegan options at your bakery. This will encourage people to give vegan options a shot.
Final Words
Sustainability isn’t a one-time activity that can be completed overnight. It is an ever-evolving process that is becoming necessary for the future of our environment. We hope our tips help you introduce green changes to your bakery!
