Nov 30, 2020 08:00 am | Benjamin Andrews
Restaurant Pollution & Prevention: Energy & Water Use
There are a number of activities conducted at restaurants that could increase the potential for environmental exposures, including pollution. One of those activities includes the disposal of food, which, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ends up in landfills and incinerators, affecting local air and water quality. Restaurants can save their hard-earned dollars and protect the environment by reducing waste and practicing pollution prevention. ENERGY AND WATER USE • Conduct an energy audit to determine ways to conserve energy and cut expenditures. Install energy-efficient light bulbs and motion-sensitive lights, turn off lights at the end of the evening, turn off machines, not in use, install programmable mercury-free thermostats, and replace outdated equipment and appliances with more energy-efficient models. • Reduce water consumption by repairing or replacing leaky water faucets, turning off water faucets and hoses when not in use, installing low-volume toilets, installing low-flow faucets, and serving water to guests who request it rather than as a standard service. Limiting water service will also reduce the number of glasses that need to be washed.
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