Friday Buzz: How the Restaurant Industry Embraces Earth Day

Individuals and industries around the globe will take time today to celebrate our home planet as the sun shines on another Earth Day.

And restaurants have a role to play, too. The National Restaurant Association (NRA) is once again lending a hand with a list of eco-friendly resources and “action tips” to help bustling eateries make their own contributions, according to a press release  (opens in a new tab).

While last year’s solutions  (opens in a new tab) focused on recycling, this year’s suggested solutions address how to create a “start-up and shut-down schedule,” how to fix a leaky sink, and how to donate leftover food.

“The three solutions we’ve outlined for Earth Day really are simple ‘first steps’ that can help an operator to begin a longer sustainability journey,” said Laura Abshire, director of sustainability policy for the National Restaurant Association, in a press release.

For restaurants that need some extra guidance, NRA’s Conserve program has created a free start-up and shut-down schedule, which has already been successfully implemented by chains such as Shari’s Cafe & Pies.

Through a partnership with the nonprofit Food Donation Connection  (opens in a new tab), the NRA is also offering to help restaurants donate leftover food to organizations that can make use of it.

“With millions of Americans receiving food assistance, donating food is a win-win by helping those in need and by helping the environment by diverting waste from landfills,” Abshire said.

For those interested in learning more, the association will also host sessions on sustainability solutions  (opens in a new tab) at the NRA Show, in Chicago, this May.

Tweet of the Day

Watch 150+ world leaders sign the #ParisAgreement  (opens in a new tab) live from @UN  (opens in a new tab). #EarthDay2016  (opens in a new tab) https://t.co/Wj2VRxzlWw  (opens in a new tab) pic.twitter.com/1mYZuKTEsm  (opens in a new tab)

— EARTHDAY.ORG (@EarthDay) April 22, 2016  (opens in a new tab)

Today, leaders from around the globe will gather at the United Nations to discuss climate change, and you can have a front-row seat. Tune into the UN live stream as countries unite to sign the historic Paris Agreement  (opens in a new tab).

Other Good Reads

Being environmentally friendly isn’t just good for the earth. It’s also great for business. At GreenBiz, Shelton Group’s Meghan McDonald explains why more organizations are focusing on sustainability  (opens in a new tab).

Want to shrink your environmental footprint? There’s an app for that. Apple and the World Wildlife Fund have teamed up to offer sustainability apps through the promotion “Apps for Earth  (opens in a new tab).”

Use Earth Day activities to build office culture. Check out the International Business Times‘ list of Earth Day activities  (opens in a new tab) to inspire your own office celebrations.

A screenshot from a National Restaurant Association conservation video. (YouTube)