Local Business and Environmental Impact

A lot of publicity has been given to reducing plastic waste since the airing of Sir David Attenborough's Blue Planet II TV show and the media has latched onto the issue facing the planet.

We, Ross and Jake, are Tarvin residents who bought The Greedy Pig deli-cafe in Kelsall in August 2017 and since the outset have placed strong emphasis on not only reducing plastic waste, but on reducing all waste across the board – from food waste to energy.

The first action was to introduce biodegradable packaging. Wherever possible using plastic takeaway boxes was stopped, and paper bags and wooden cutlery have been introduced. We have also been working closely with wholesalers and suppliers to further reduce the plastic packaging used.

We have engaged with global manufacturers and suppliers of reusable cups, finally choosing a UK company who provided a unique take on sustainable coffee cups – their collapsible pocket cups are made from 100% recycled materials and whilst being able to compact to just over an inch thick, don't compromise on function or quality.

In an effort to entice customers to take this option, The Greedy Pig offer a free drink with every cup sold, as well as 15p off every drink bought with one of these drinks holders. Any cup is welcome to attract a discount and help reduce disposable packing (which has resulted in a marked increase in customers reusing cups).

As well as providing incentives to customers for loyalty and choosing environmentally conscious containers, we sourced a UK company to roast its own unique coffee – whilst the green beans are still imported, local roasters (and suppliers of other produce) are used to create The Greedy Pig blend – meaning that we continually make efforts to think about the carbon footprint in everything we do.

Many people who use local businesses do not realise the work and cost involved in reducing environmental impact but we have been focusing on improving efficiencies ever since taking over the business.

In terms of other environmental initiatives, every small detail matters – so The Greedy Pig:
-no longer use sugar sachets, instead shakers eliminate the need for paper and reduce excess sugar use.
-food items are reduced where necessary to save waste.
-used coffee grinds are collected for composting.
-food packaging, cans, bottles and boxes are recycled (often at the expense of the business owners)

In addition, one of the first things that we did was to look into energy efficiencies – and so all lighting was changed to LED fittings. The walls were clad with reclaimed scaffolding boards to improve insulation and so heating is no longer required. A high speed oven was installed which removed the need for a bain-marie and griddle (which were using electricity continually throughout the day). This also ensures that all hot food is made to order and so in turn results in no hot food being thrown away!

The Greedy Pig feels this is an effort worth making and works tirelessly driving change behind the scenes to reduce their environmental impact and is keen to help show it is possible to offer products people want whilst minimising waste.

Small businesses are more responsive to customer demands and by supporting them you can help drive the changes needed by larger organisations. Not only are you supporting your area by buying local, you are fostering community spirit and growth and are giving the owners of small businesses the power to show their larger counterparts there are alternatives.

By giving your support to local businesses together, as a community, you can show the David and Goliath possibilities that locals can have in shaping our economy and environment for years to come.

ED: We recently published an environmental initiative by King Louis Fish & Chip shop and we would be very interested to hear other local business stories about what you are doing to minimise your environment impact?