Bid to cut pubs' food waste
Melbourne-based environmental solutions company Closed Loop has launched a program aiming to combat food waste costs in pub and restaurant foodservice.
The 'City Harvest' program collects the produce from 'organic composting machines' installed in venues for use in gardens being established in the CBD, growing vegetables for the venues.
The launch on Tuesday was very well received, with many Victorian operators of hotels and restaurants attending and committing support.
Speaking to TheShout, owner of Kelly's Bar & Kitchen Tim Dundon said his primary motivation, which he shares with his chef, is the fresh, organic vegetables.
"A few months ago we began planning our own garden and aquaculture, then a few weeks ago we got wind of the Closed Loop project, thought 'what a brilliant concept', and wanted to get on board.
"It has got masses of appeal… the machines should work out cost-neutral, while at the same time it will have a dramatic environmental impact – half our waste is food," Dundon said.
Closed Loop chose to kick-start City Harvest in Melbourne due to its reputation as Australia's restaurant capital, but director Robert Pascoe (pictured) said plans are well underway to roll out in Sydney and the rest of Australia.
"The hotel industry contributes a significant portion of the 13.6 million tonnes of organic waste that is landfilled every year," says Pascoe.
"It is our hope that within 10 years every pub and restaurant will have an organics recovery process in place, and our composting machines could greatly assist in achieving this."
Over 15 venues already have the organic composting machines installed, including Kelly's, Cecconi's Cantina, and the University of Melbourne. Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre has already committed space for four gardens.
Closed Loop hit the headlines in 2000 for running the recycling program at the Sydney Olympics.
Note for Victorian operators: Sustainability Victoria's new "Smarter Resources, Smarter Business" grants assist businesses improve their resource efficiency through assessments, capital expenditure and funding.
Source: The Shout, 2 August 2013
