Food Waste in Irish Cafes

Dublin may be known for its sausages, soda bread, and pints of Guinness, but the country is also grappling with a growing food waste problem. According to a report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Irish households and businesses generated 1.03 million tonnes of food waste in 2018 alone. That’s about 218kg per person! While households account for the majority of food waste, cafes and restaurants also play a significant role in contributing to the problem. The good news is that there are many ways that Irish hospitality businesses can reduce their food waste, save money, and help the environment. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips and tricks for reducing food waste in Irish restaurants and cafes.

Plan ahead and track your inventory:

One of the best ways to reduce food waste is to plan your menu and order only what you need. Before you order ingredients, take some time to review your inventory and track what items are selling well and what’s not. This can help you make informed decisions about how much to order and avoid overstocking. You can also use your inventory information to adjust your menu and avoid ordering ingredients that don’t sell well. Planning ahead can not only reduce waste but also save you money in the long run.

Use sustainable packaging:

Packaging is another major contributor to food waste. Many restaurants and cafes rely on single-use packaging that ends up in the bin after just one use. By switching to more sustainable packaging options, you can reduce waste and show your customers that you care about the environment. Reusable containers, compostable packaging, and biodegradable utensils are all great options to consider. Your customers will appreciate your commitment to sustainability, and you’ll be doing your part to reduce waste.

Donate or compost unsold food: If you have food that is still good but won’t be sold, consider donating it to local food banks or charities. Not only will you be helping those in need, but you’ll also be reducing waste. You can also compost food scraps and use them to nourish plants or gardens. Composting is a great way to reduce waste and give back to the planet. Make sure to check local regulations and guidelines for food donations and composting.

Make use of leftovers:

Leftovers can be repurposed into new dishes or ingredients. For example, leftover roasted vegetables can be turned into a delicious soup or stew, or stale bread can be made into croutons or breadcrumbs. Use your creativity and culinary expertise to find new ways to use leftovers and reduce waste. Not only will you save money by using up items that might have been thrown away, but you’ll also be offering your customers exciting new menu options.

Educate your staff and customers:

One of the best ways to reduce food waste is to raise awareness among your staff and customers. Train your staff on the importance of reducing waste, and encourage them to find ways to minimise waste in their work. You can also educate your customers by sharing information on how your business is committed to sustainability and how they can help reduce waste. Simple tips like taking leftovers home or using refillable water bottles can make a big difference in reducing waste.

Reducing food waste in Irish restaurants and cafes requires effort, but it’s a goal that benefits everyone. By planning ahead and tracking inventory, using sustainable packaging, donating or composting unsold food, making use of leftovers, and educating staff and customers, businesses can make a significant impact on reducing waste. Not only will this reduce costs and save money, but it will also positively impact the environment and the community. Together, we can all take steps towards a more sustainable future.

Research

• CSO.ie
• StopFoodWaste.ie
• The Ultimate Guide to Reducing Food Waste at Home

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