How Your Business Can Fight Its Throwaway Culture

Julie Starr • December 15, 2020



There’s no doubt that we live in a throwaway culture. If anything, the problem is getting worse, not better. For bosses and entrepreneurs, it creates nasty side-effects because failing to exploit goods and services only leads to waste. And, the more wastage you have in the workplace, the more money you’ll leave on the table.

As a leader, it’s your job to improve efficiency throughout the office. Of course, it’s challenging when your routine is full of bad habits and the business is stuck in a rut. Plus, you might not think that fighting your brand’s throwaway culture is necessary at the moment.

Just remember that without eco-friendly efficiency, not only are the odds of blowing your budget higher, but the chances of appealing to new customers are lower. In short, you have to do something if you want to reach your long-term goals. Here are four options at your disposal.

Buy Cheap, Buy Twice

Buying multiple times is expensive, and it’s bad for the environment. When you increase the demand, it results in additional goods and services being made, which means essential resources are depleted. The worst part is, this isn’t necessary if you do your research and opt for quality items.

When you buy cheap, you buy twice since the quality is much lower. Therefore, it’s smarter to purchase more expensive hardware and software for the office to ensure it lasts longer. Yes, price and standards don’t always go hand in hand, so you should be careful before heading to the virtual checkout. Still, as a rule, the best products won’t be offered at bargain rates.

If you are in doubt, you should opt for brands you can rely on, ones that are synonymous with maintaining high standards. Then, you can almost guarantee that nothing will be thrown away for a long time.

Provide Work Devices

Not providing work devices is a way to reduce expenses. It’s usually a last resort when money is tight and the budget is bare. Unfortunately, some bosses are obsessed with liquidity, so you might be tempted to avoid investments if they appear too costly or pricey. It’s a massive mistake.

Firstly, there are security concerns you should address. Secondly, from a sustainability perspective, letting people use personal devices to conduct business will affect the supply chain. When the supply chain becomes too complicated to understand and manage, you can expect plenty of wastage.

Ensuring your staff has the latest Android devices with Android Zero-touch capabilities makes large-scale deployment seamless. As a result, errors shouldn’t occur that exacerbate the throwaway culture, such as overbuying materials with short expiration dates.

Recycle

It’s a cliche, but that doesn’t mean recycling isn’t a useful tool in the fight against waste. A recycling program is about as simple and powerful as it gets because you can guarantee that your garbage isn’t harming the planet.

Food is obvious since meals and drinks come in plastic containers and metal cans. But, there’s a lot more in the office you can recycle, including your old appliances. A printer is hard to get rid of, which is why you are tempted to take it to the dump. However, you can trade it in, scrap it for parts, or donate it to charity.

The latter is an excellent hack if you’re struggling to find a solution that doesn’t involve throwing it away. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, which is why Goodwill stores will gladly accept donations to help the less fortunate.

Invest In A Lifestyle

Your focus will be on the business as a whole, but at some stage, you need to recognize that the effectiveness of your strategy relies on your employees. If they don’t get on board and invest in the new policies, the plan will fail quickly. After all, you rely on your workers to implement procedures, and this is no different.

With that in mind, you need to show them that a throwaway culture is bad and exists outside of the office. Should you hit this target, they’ll start making decisions for the good of health and wellbeing, and the company will benefit. Driving less is a prime example. Highlighting the emissions of a standard commute and the money they spend on gas could encourage them to walk more.

Or, they might cycle to work if you develop a scheme that makes owning or renting a bike accessible and affordable.

The key is to realize that you have a throwaway culture. Then, you can concentrate on tweaking your approach.

Eco-Friendly Garden Prep: Summer Tips for a Greener Business Space

By Julie Starr • June 5, 2025
If you're lucky enough to have a garden as part of your business, taking some time to set it up for summer is a great investment of your energy. Not only will it be ready for your customers to spend time in, but you can also incorporate some eco-friendly elements into it. Many people just think about the property and what eco-friendly updates they can make , but there are plenty that you can implement in your garden. This gives you the best of both worlds. You own a sacred and beautiful place for your customers to spend their summer, and at the same time, you can do your part for a better planet. If this is the route you want to take, then you also need to consider how to do this with the different seasons. To help you on your journey, here are some top tips for preparing your garden for summer. Plant trees and flowers Planting trees and flowers in your garden is a must. It will make a beautiful scene of nature for everyone to enjoy. Trees will provide people and animals with shade, as well as provide a habitat for wildlife. More trees are needed in the world because they purify the air that we breathe. Flowers, especially if you plant with pollinators in mind, can be an excellent way to attract bees and butterflies, which contribute largely to the earth. Use natural pest control When preparing your garden for summer, you can do this more sustainably and kindly by using natural pest control. Simply by planting trees and flowers, you are likely to attract lots of different wildlife, some of which may destroy your efforts. While all wildlife should be considered, you may need to take measures. Some better and more eco-friendly ways you can do this, as opposed to spraying toxic chemicals onto your plants and into the air, you can implement companion planting, using protective nets over your crops, choosing resilient plants, using natural repellents, and encouraging natural predators so nature can do its thing. Maintain your garden Maintaining your garden in itself can make it more eco-friendly. Composting your garden waste regularly, and kitchen waste can help you to reduce overall waste and create nutrient-rich soil. This is a great cycle of sustainability. You can also keep on top of things that need cleaning and replacing, so you can recycle the materials for other garden structures and projects, and repurpose things around your garden before they become waste. If you have features in your garden like a swimming pool, then a regular pool maintenance service is going to be vital in keeping your water consumption to a minimum, as when it is cleaned and maintained, it will need to be drained and refilled less as well as using less energy. You could also consider how you can use natural purification methods to reduce chemical usage and support biodiversity right in your backyard. Your garden is just an eco-friendly project waiting to be built. Use these top tips to help you get started.

The Impact of Sustainable Practices on the Food Service Industry

By Julie Starr • June 3, 2025
Sustainability is no longer something that can be considered optional in many businesses, including the food industry. From fast casual to fine dining, businesses face pressure to reduce waste, cut emissions, and use resources responsibly. Customers noticed, so too did regulators. This shift isn't about trends; it's about long-term business health. Operators now rethink everything: ingredients, packaging, equipment, and even furniture. The choices that they make affect cost, reputation, and the environment. Forward-thinking brands see sustainability as a chance to stand out, align with customer values, save money, and future-proof their business. Let's look at how sustainable practices are shaping the future of food service and why furniture choices matter more than ever. Sustainable Sourcing and Supply Chains Restaurants are choosing local, seasonal, and organic ingredients. More often, this reduces transportation emissions and supports nearby farms. It also appeals to customers who want food with a story. Sourcing matters; a restaurant that serves organic produce imported from thousands of miles away loses credibility. Local sourcing, when possible, keeps the supply chain shorter and more resilient. They also build community relationships. Sustainable seafood, fair trade coffee, and certified humane meat are becoming menu standards. But it's not just food; suppliers that use low-impact materials, avoid single-use plastics, or operate zero-waste facilities are getting more attention. Working with responsible vendors reduces environmental impact and strengthens the restaurant's reputation. It also makes it easier to meet sustainability benchmarks and certifications. Reducing Food Waste and Single-Use Plastics Food waste is expensive. Restaurants are responding with better forecasting, smaller portions, and creative ways to repurpose ingredients. Many now donate leftovers or compost scraps. Smart kitchen systems have reduced waste by tracking usage and spoilage. Front of house, more places encourage guests to take home leftovers or offer flexible portion sizes. Single-use plastics are also being phased out; straws, cutlery, and containers are switching to compostable or reusable versions. Many cities now require this, but even without mandates, customers expect it. Small changes make a big difference, such as swapping plastic lids for fiber-based ones or using reusable containers for takeout. In the long run, it also sends a clear message about your brand Energy Efficiency and Equipment Choices Energy use is a major cost for food service businesses. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and HVAC systems can contribute significantly. Induction cooktops, LED lighting , low-flow faucets, and energy-saving refrigeration reduce the environmental footprint. Some kitchens are even going all-electric to reduce reliance on gas. Smart energy monitoring systems provide real-time insights; this helps operators find waste, track trends, and make better decisions. Beyond the kitchen, some restaurants invest in solar panels or purchase renewable energy. It shows leadership and appeals to customers who care about climate action. Designing with Sustainability in Mind Interior design now plays a role in sustainability. Choosing eco-friendly materials and modular furniture reduces waste and supports the circular economy. Furniture companies that sell food service furniture offer tables, chairs, and booths made from recycled or responsibly sourced wood, metal, and plastics. Their products are durable, stylish, and built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Long-lasting furniture means fewer items in landfills. Plus, some suppliers offer take-back programs or extended product life. The right furniture also supports flexible layouts, which is important for adapting to changing service models like outdoor dining or shared spaces. Aligning with Customer Expectations More diners care about sustainability than ever before. It’s something that is extremely prominent in today’s dining experience. They want to support places that reflect their values. Transparency matters too , diners want to know exactly what businesses are doing to be more sustainable. Posting sourcing details, using certifications, and showing behind-the-scenes efforts builds trust. Sustainability isn't just a back-of-house concern; it should be visible throughout the customer journey. Guests notice packaging, signage, cleaning products, and even furniture. If your chairs are made from reclaimed wood or your tables are built from recycled metal, it becomes part of the story you tell. Employees also want to work for businesses that care; sustainability efforts can boost morale, improve retention, and create a strong workplace culture. Being consistent across all touchpoints helps turn sustainability from a checklist into a core part of your brand identity. Tracking Progress and Measuring Impact To stay on track, businesses need to measure what matters. Sustainability isn't guesswork; it's data-driven. Many restaurants now set goals for waste reduction, water usage, and carbon emissions. Digital dashboards, smart meters, and waste tracking apps provide clear feedback. Certifications like LEED , Green Restaurant Association, or B Corp can help validate progress, but the real value comes from aligning with goals and quickly reporting results. This transparency involves sharing results with staff and customers. This builds trust and shows accountability. Food service brands that track their impact tend to improve faster; they spot problems early and share wins more confidently. A culture of measurement helps maintain steady progress and keeps sustainability top of mind. Collaborating Across the Industry No restaurant can do it alone. Real change happens through partnerships. Food services need ot consider teaming up with local farms, recycling programs, and talking to local councils about any green schemes . This collaboration speeds up progress and helps avoid mistakes. Industry groups and supply networks now host workshops and certifications focused on sustainability. These shared resources help smaller businesses catch up and stay competitive. Technology platforms also make collaboration easier. Apps that connect surplus food with charities or tools for joint purchasing of sustainable goods are helping restaurants work smarter together. By building strong networks, the industry strengthens itself. Working together, sustainability leads to better outcomes and stronger communities. Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Future in Food Service Sustainability touches every part of the food service industry, from menus to materials. The shift toward responsible choices is clear. Restaurants that act now gain a competitive edge; they reduce costs, attract loyal customers, and stay ahead of regulations. The transition doesn't have to be all or nothing; small steps lead to big changes. Choosing eco-friendly furniture, like the options from food service furniture, is one of the smart steps. It shows commitment, supports long-term value, and elevates the dining experience. Sustainability is no longer an add-on; it’s a business essential. For those who embrace it, it can be a source of growth, loyalty, and resilience.