Most of us aspire to make our businesses more sustainable, but how can we do that practically? What are the tips and tricks we can employ that benefit the planet without costing the earth?

Sustainability also means ensuring the resilience of our businesses so that we’re still here in the New Year and beyond – especially given all the challenges that have been thrown at the industry in recent times. There’s no sector with more creativity and personality than our pubs, bars and restaurants, so there are many inspiring sustainable practices out there.

In this article, Anne Jones spotlights some of these ideas, with tips you can keep year-round because – after all – sustainability is for life, not just for Christmas.

Staff Engagement

Your team brings your values to life, so engaging them in your sustainability journey is essential. Involve everyone in thinking up ideas, sharing best practices, and communicating to customers.

●      Find the Fun: Share interesting facts about sustainable products on your menu. For example, “Did you know that the carbon footprint of draught beer is around seven times lower than a can or bottle?”

●      Ensure Accuracy: Make sure any environmental claims are verifiable, so customers get truthful, reliable information.

●      Encourage Recycling: Place recycling and compost bins in accessible areas. Use clear labels, so everyone knows where items go.

●      Ask for ideas: If you engage your teams with a sustainable mindset, they may surprise you with some brilliant ideas! Keep a list of ideas for next year too if they need time to implement.

Sustainable Products

Your menu is a prime spot to showcase your commitment to sustainability. Seasonal, local ingredients and eco-friendly choices make it easy for customers to make greener choices.

●      Feature Local and Seasonal Ingredients: Wherever possible, highlight local producers and seasonal options such as sustainably-sourced game.

●      Offer More Plant-Based Options: Try adding dishes with a higher ratio of plant-based ingredients. This will help your bottom line too!

●      Simple, Seasonal Garnishes: Festive but eco-friendly garnishes – like cranberries or rosemary sticks – add a festive twist without extra waste.

●      Reduce Food Waste: Create soups, stews, or batch cocktails to use up ingredients efficiently. Portion meals modestly, offering “seconds” instead of oversized servings.

●      Lower Alcohol Alternatives: Provide low-alcohol or smaller servings of popular drinks, giving customers a chance to enjoy the festive season responsibly.

●      Packaging and serve sizes: Consider premium options in kegs, cans, pouches, single serves and small sizes. There’s lots of choice and innovation to choose from. Look at Ecosip, When in Rome, or speak to Sustainable Wine Solutions for ideas around bottle reuse or tap walls. Your distributor will also have sustainable options, so speak to your account manager to find out more about wine or cocktails on tap, lightweight bottles and products made with sustainability certifications.

Efficient Processes

Efficient operations reduce resource waste, saving you time and money. Here are a few process improvements that benefit both your business and the environment.

●      Limit Menu Size: Keep specials and seasonal menus concise, relying on bestsellers to minimise waste and avoid reprints.

●      Encourage Pre-Ordering: For events and large gatherings, take pre-orders to help plan stock and reduce waste.

●      Renewable Energy: If possible, switch to a renewable energy tariff to reduce your carbon footprint.

●      Outdoor Space Tips: Consider offering blankets instead of electric heaters. Decorate using energy-efficient LED lightbulbs or candles to create some twinkly lighting.

●      Reduce, reuse, recycle: Keep this in mind at every turn! Switch off lights and heat when you’re closed, avoid single use materials, and make sure everyone knows how to get the most from your recycling options.

Festive Footprint

As Christmas approaches, small shifts can go a long way in reducing waste. Here are a few tips to make your decorations and practices more eco-friendly:

●      Eco-Friendly Decorations: Use potted saplings and natural materials like pinecones or dried citrus instead of plastic “tat.” If you *must* use synthetic materials, make sure you take care of them and put them away carefully to be used year after year. Look for vintage (second hand) options if you have a more traditional venue.

●      Buy in January: If you feel as though you’ve missed opportunities this year, have a team meeting in January and buy secondhand options ready for Christmas 2025.

●      Food Composting: Set up food waste compost bins for staff and guests, turning waste into soil for window boxes or herb beds.

●      Nonprofits and Food Donations: Partner with local nonprofits, such as food banks or “Crisis at Christmas,” to give back and reduce food waste.

●      Green gifting: Set a good example with green secret Santa, and minimise expense for your teams at the same time. Consider crafting options, or secondhand shops. If you have incentives for customers, your messaging here can be sustainable too, with reusable water bottles or discounts. Or run competitions for customers to win any floral arrangements or plants that you’ve used for decoration, or get your team to design a festive menu as a prize – sell your skills rather than giving away disposable merchandise.

A sustainable Christmas doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice festive jollity. By making thoughtful choices, we can inspire consumers towards a Christmas in which true hospitality goes hand in hand with sustainability. Wishing you all a very merry and sustainable Christmas!