31 Eco-Friendly Practices In Food Service

Vinti Davar

epgp books

 

 

 

1.1 Objectives

 

This chapter will make you aware of the following objectives:

 

  • Defining Environment
  • Environment & Foodservice Industry
  • Pollution
  • Laws related to Environment applicable on Foodservice Organisations
  •  Eco-friendly Practices
  • Environment Friendly Certifications

 

‘Environment’ is derived from the French word “Environer” which means to encircle or surround. Everything that surrounds and affects living organisms is environment includes all the biological and non-biological entities.

 

In India, Environment (Protection) Act (1986) (E.P.A.) deals with the issues related to environment. Various terms such as “environment”, “environmental pollutant”, “environmental pollution” and “hazardous substance” are defined as follows, As per Section 2 of E.P.A.:

 

  • Environment includes water, air and land and the inter- relationship which exists among and between water, air and land, and human beings, other living creatures, plants, micro organism and property.
  • Environmental pollutant means any solid, liquid or gaseous substance present in such concentration as may be, or tend to be, injurious to environment.
  • Environmental pollution means the presence in the environment of any environmental pollutant.
  • Hazardous substance means any substance or preparation which, by reason of its chemical or physico-chemical properties or handling, is liable to cause harm to human beings, other living creatures, plants, micro organisms, property or the environment.

2.2 Constituents of Environment

 

Air, water and land surrounding us constitute our environment, and influence us directly. At the same time we too have an influence on our environment by overuse or over-exploitation of resources or by discharge of pollutants in the air, water and land. The flora, fauna and micro-organisms as well as the man-made structures in our surroundings have a bi-directional interaction with us directly or indirectly. The totality of all these components and their interactions constitute the environment.

 

2.3 Environment is Multidisciplinary

 

Environment is complex and has multifarious aspects. Environmental studies deal with working of earth, its life-support systems, its interactions, influences, its problems and solutions. Keeping in view the complex nature of environment, knowledge and information from various disciplines of science, social science, law and engineering have to be included in Environmental Studies to understand it completely.

 

  • Life Sciences including botany, zoology, microbiology, genetics and biochemistry help in understanding the biotic components and their interactions. Genetics and biotechnology are emerging as useful tools for finding solutions to environmental problems.
  •  For understanding the physical and chemical structure of abiotic components of environment along with mass and energy transfers we have to make use of the basic concept of physics, chemistry, geology, atmospheric science, oceanography and geography.
  • Mathematics, statistics and computer science likewise serve as effective tools in environmental modelling.
  • Subjects like economics, management and sociology provide the inputs for dealing with the socio-economic aspects associated with various development activities.
  • A synthesis of civil engineering, hydraulics, chemical engineering and nanotechnology provide the technical solutions to environmental pollution control and waste treatment that are extremely important for protection of the environment.
  • Environmental laws provide the guidelines and legal measures for effective management and protection of the environment.
  • Environmental education and mass communication are two important subjects that are instrumental in disseminating environmental awareness.
  • Environmental ethics provide the guidelines for a sustainable life style.

 

2.4 Environment and Foodservice Industry

 

Like any other human activity food service industry also consumes natural and man-made resources and harm environment. The fact that it is one the fastest growing industry in the world economy; also raises scope for studying its relation with environment so that harmony between industry and the environment may be maintained before it is too late. But first we must understand how the environment is affected by the pollution caused by foodservice industry.

 

Pollution is of two types’ i.e. natural pollution, pollution that originates from natural processes, and artificial pollution, pollution that originates from the activities of man. Here, we are more concerned about second type of pollution i.e. artificial pollution. It can be of following types:

 

2.5 Air Pollution

 

The addition of chemical to air leads to pollution of air which is called air pollution or atmospheric pollution.

 

2.6 Sources of air pollution A major source of air pollution in a foodservice result from the gaseous emissions from the establishments. Some of the pollutants that cause air pollution are as follows:

 

2.4.1.1Manmade sources of air pollution in a foodservice oreganisation: These are the sources of air pollution that result from the activities of man.

 

1.  Carbon oxides: Carbon monoxides and carbon dioxides come from automobiles and industries.

2. Volatile organic compounds: These are Benzene, methane and CFCs. These compounds are emitted from refrigerators, air conditioners etc.

3.  Heat: When fuels are burnt, they give rise to heat.

 

 

2.4.2 Effects of air pollutants

 

Following are the effects of air pollution:

 

1. When there is an increase in carbon dioxide concentration in the air, the thick layer of carbon dioxide gas does not allows the heat to be re-radiated out, and return back to Earth. Thick carbon dioxide layer functions like the glass panels of a green house which allow the sunlight to filter but prevent the heat to re-radiated into the outer space. This is called greenhouse effect. It results in increase in carbon dioxide concentration in the air and thereby causes an increase in the temperature of the surroundings. This increased temperature in the atmosphere is called global warming.

 

2. Air pollutants cause a number of respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer.

3.  Air pollutants also make trees vulnerable to frost, insects, drought and diseases. Some of the pollutants make soil so acidic that new seedlings do not survive at all.

4. Historic buildings, stained glass windows, irreplaceable marble statues are also decoloured by the air pollutants.

 

2.4.3 Control of air pollution in a foodservice: Air pollution can be reduced mainly by two approaches. First is the input approach and second being the output approach. Input approach reduces the pollution whereas output approach treats the symptoms. First approach is easier and cheaper in the longer run than the second approach. Following are the methods of control of air pollution:

 

1.  Reduce, reuse and recycle the waste of paper, metals etc.

2. Regulate population growth.

3.  Reduce energy use.

4.  Use solar energy, wind energy and flowing water.

5.   Do not use air freshners.

6.   Install air-to-air heat exchangers.

 

2.5 Water Pollution

 

Water pollution is any biological, physical or chemical change in surface water or ground water that can adversely affect the living organisms. It is a aquatic contamination which eliminates living organisms from a rivers, lakes, ponds or ocean.

 

2.5.1 Types of Water Pollution

 

1.  Ground water pollution

2.  Soil water pollution

3.  Surface water pollution

4.  River pollution

5.  Lake pollution

6.  Coastal water pollution

7.  Estuarine pollution

8.  Open-ocean pollution

9.  Bacterial pollution

10.  Viral pollution

11.  Metallic pollution

12.  Nutrient pollution

13.  Petrochemical pollution

14.  Pesticide pollution

15.  Radioactive pollution

16.  Thermal pollution

 

2.5.2 Sources of water pollution

 

1. Sewage waste: It is a water borne waste that comes from habitations animals and food processing plants. It involves paper, cloth, human and animal excreta and detergents etc.

2.Industrial effluents: Inorganic and organic pollutants are present in effluents. The main pollutants are grave, oil, plastics, heavy metals, phenols, toxins, acids, dyes, salts, plasticizers, cyanides and DDT etc.

3. Detergents: These come from washing, bathing etc.

 

2.5.3 Effects of water pollution: Water pollution affects the abiotic and biotic factors of different aquatic bodies and its effects on man remains drastic. Some of the effects of water pollution are as follows:

 

1.Pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa and parasites transmits typhoid fever, cholera, infections, hepatitis and such similar diseases. These pathogens enter the environment through faeces and urine of infected organisms.

2. Domestic sewage, manure, biodegradable organic waste depletes the dissolved oxygen of water.

3.Addition of inorganic nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates results in growth of algae and other plants which when die consume oxygen from water for decomposition.

4. Toxic compounds involve heavy metals, biocides, fungicides, pesticides, cyanides and other organic and inorganic compounds that are harmful to aquatic life.

5. Insoluble soil particles makes water cloudy and break down the food webs.

 

2.5.4 Control of water pollution Control of water pollution is very important otherwise the entire ecosystem becomes unbalanced. Following are the few methods by which we can prevent water pollution.

 

1.     Establish nationwide standards for water contaminants.

2.     Use biodegradable substances.

3.     Controlled use of pesticides and fertilizers.

4.     Sewage waste should be properly discharged.

5.     Recycling is the best method of prevention and control of water pollution.

 

2.6 Soil Pollution Soil is the topmost layer of the earth that is produced by weathering of rocks. Soils are the best homes for a variety of living organisms. But simultaneously soils are more vulnerable to pollution from various sources. Soil pollution is caused by solid wastes and chemicals.

 

2.6.1 Sources of Soil Pollution

 

Following are the sources of soil pollution:

 

1.  Chemicals emitted into the air come down to surface to pollute soil.

2.Herbicides and pesticides are applied on the crop plants. But they ultimately reach to the soil and remain in the soil for a longer period of time.

3.Soil of the Earth have huge amount of animal and human excreta that contains many pathogenic organisms.

4.Industrial wastes has biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances such as metals, toxic substances, paint, cloth ray, plastic, heavy metals etc.

5. Wastes are also dumped into the soil.

6.   Sewage wastes and sludge in the urban areas are major sources of soil pollution,

 

2.6.2 Effects of soil pollution

 

 

1. In forest ecosystem pollutants inhibit process of soil formation.

2. Pesticides and herbicides cause a disruption in species composition of communities.

3. Some of the non-biodegradable chemicals persist into the soil and affect soil flora and fauna.

4.  Causes many diseases.

 

 

1.     For solid waste disposal, controlled tipping or sanitary landfill method is adopted.

2.     Effluents should be treated before discharge into the agricultural fields and nearby areas.

3.     Solid wastes should be properly disposed off.

4.     Recycling of solid wastes should be emphasised.

5.     Sewage wastes and sludge should be properly recycled and treated.

6.     Recycle and reuse the liquid and solid waste.

 

2.7 Noise Pollution

 

A loud, unwanted or unpleasant sound that causes discomfort is called noise. The release of unwanted sound in the environment is called noise pollution. This is most widespread occupational hazard. Noise pollution is mainly caused due to technological advancement. To measure levels of noise, sound pressure is measured in decibel. This is denoted by db. High pitched sounds are more louder than the low pitched sounds. Sound pressure damage at 75 db or higher.

2.7.1 Sources of noise pollution

 

1.     Pollution from equipment

2.     Vacuum cleaners

3.     Siren

4.     Unwanted loud music

5.     Earphones

6.     Air conditioners

7.     Celebrations

 

2.7.2 Effects of noise pollution

  • Noise increases the level of cholesterol in the blood.
  • Noise causes headache and increases blood pressure.
  • Noise causes the pupils of the eye to dilate and mental abnormalities in foetus.
  • Noise pollution affects the hearing ability of human beings.
  • Noise pollution causes anxiety and stress.
  • Noise pollution causes hormonal imbalance.
  • Noise detracts attention and cause emotional imbalance.
  • Noise interferes with man’s communication and disturbs concentration.
  • Noise pollution causes physical and psychological damage to human beings.
  • Noise pollution damages heart, liver and brain.

 

2.7.3 Control of noise pollution

 

 

1.     Plantation should be done with broad leaves especially conifer trees which absorb noise.

2.     Different types of sound absorbing media should be used for noise making machines.

3.     Sound absorbing silencers should be used for minimise the noise such as fibrous materials.

 

2.7.4 Laws related to Environment applicable on Foodservice Organisation

Foodservice organisation is also a type business. So various statutes/legislations related to environment protection in India as follows:

 

  • The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
  • The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1975
  • The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977
  • The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Rules, 1978
  • The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
  • The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1982
  • The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
  • The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986
  • Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 1989
  • Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989
  • The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
  • The Forest (Conservation) Rules, 1981
  • The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
  • The Wildlife (Transactions and Taxidermy) Rules, 1973
  • The Wildlife (Stock Declaration) Central Rules, 1973
  • The Wildlife (Protection) Licensing (Additional Matters for Consideration) Rules, 1983
  • The Wildlife (Protection) Rules, 1995
  • The Wildlife (Specified Plants – Conditions for Possession by Licensee) Rules, 1995
  • The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
  • The Public Liability Insurance Rules, 1991
  • The National Environment Tribunal Act, 1995
  • The National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997

2.7.5 Eco-friendly Practices

 

Environmental Committees or Teams can be formed to encourage and ensure eco-friendly practices. These will have individuals from each area of the establishment. They will their eco-environmental performance by monitoring and evaluating established standards regarding the use of resources and waste on a monthly and annual basis. These must be conveyed to the guests, staff, shareholders, vendors, and to the public.

 

   2.7.5.1 Recycling and Reuse

 

  • Recycling metals, glass, plastic, paper, cardboard, newspaper etc.
  • Deliver newspapers on request.
  • Make two-sided printing and copying standard practice.
  • Use electronic files rather than paper ones.
  • Switch to bulk-packaging of amenities.
  • Donate used amenity bottles and containers.
  • Recycle and/or compost food waste.

 

2.7.5.2 Energy Efficiency and Conservation

  • Use motion sensors or timers in traffic areas.
  • Use energy-efficient CFL or LED lights.
  • Prefer energy efficient equipment with Star rating.
  • Use renewable energy sources.
  • Use natural light or energy efficient, double-pane windows.
  • Use occupancy sensors to detect the presence or absence of people.
  • Clean light fixtures and diffusers regularly for optimal light output.
  • Use dimmer controls in meeting rooms.
  • Use less water consuming toilet and urinal flush.
  • Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators.
  • Post signs in to encourage water conservation.
  • Check regularly for leaks and repairs.
  • Recycle waste water.

 

2.7.6 Environment Friendly Certifications

 

There are various agencies which evaluate and certify eco-friendly practices in foodservice industry worldwide are as follows:

 

A.   Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

B.    Green Key Globe

C.    Green Globe International

D.   Energy Star

E.    Green Seal

F.     Audubon Green Leaf

G.   EcoRoom & EcoSuites

H.   Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS)

I.      Sustainable Tourism Eco-Certification Program

 

 

2.7.1 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – LEED

 

It the most reputed among various eco-friendly programmmes. This provides third-party certification to confirm that a facility is designed, built or retro-fitted to improve performance in energy and water conservation, reduce emission of green house gases, improve indoor environmental quality, and preserve resources. Thanks to its rigorous certification process, it has been marked as one of the most decorated eco-certification programmes.

 

2.7.2 Green Key Globe

 

It evaluates hotels on a questionnaire containing 140-question online, conducts audit, and awards hotels an environmental rating of one to five Green Keys. It has certified around 1,200 hotels in Canada since 1990. Its major nine areas are:

 

  • Building infrastructure
  • Community outreach
  • Energy conservation
  • Hazardous waste management
  • Indoor air quality
  • Land use
  • Solid waste management
  • Water conservation

 

2.7.3Green Globe International

 

It is an international company certifying green hotels and golf courses around the globe since 1993. It evaluates behavioral, facility and product issues at the hotel. A third part auditor is appointed to ensure international standards. The whole process is of around thirty to sixty days.

 

2.7.4 Energy Star

 

It was created by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Some major certified buildings are Amazon.com’s headquarters in Seattle, the National Geographic Society base in Washington D.C., Cambridge Savings Bank in Massachusetts, the Aon Center in Chicago and USAA McDermott Building in Texas.

 

2.7.5 Green Seal

 

It has been in the market for hospitality industry since 1995 and evaluation is scientific. This requires an on-site audit of the property, and yearly monitoring to ensure ongoing compliance. This certification emphasizes on the following areas:

 

  • Energy efficiency, conservation and management
  • Environmentally sensitive purchasing
  • Hazardous substances management
  • Management of fresh water resources
  • Waste minimization, reuse and recycling
  • Waste water management

 

This programme started in 1998 to minimise harmful effects of hospitality industry without compromising on guests’ satisfaction and to reduce costs. It awards hotels one to five Green Leaves based upon following criteria:

 

  • Conserving water and resources
  • Preventing pollution
  •  Reducing waste
  • Saving energy

 

2.7.7 EcoRooms & Eco- Suites

 

It has designed a stern set of Eco-Criteria. It has two tiers of green designations i.e. “approved” and “certified”. First, is based upon satisfactory completion of an application; and latter status requires an on-site audit by one of their programme advisors. Eco Rooms & Eco Suites’ EcoCriteria includes:

 

  • Green Seal certified or equivalent cleaning products are used in guestrooms.
  • Green Seal certified or equivalent paper products (facial and bathroom tissue) are used in guestrooms.
  • Bathrooms feature amenity dispensers or small, practical amenity sizes with guests encouraged to take the remainder of their bathroom amenities home. donate them to homeless shelters, or provide to organizations that ship them to less affluent countries.
  • The hotel has implemented a linen and towel reuse program
  • Guests are provided separate and easily identified receptacles and/or bags in which to deposit recyclables.
  • Energy-efficient lighting in every area.
  • High efficiency plumbing – 1. 6 or less gallons-per-flush for toilets, 2.5 G.P.M. Showerheads and 1.5 gallons per minute or less for sinks with water-efficient aerators.
  • 100% Smoke-Free Hotel.

 

2.7.8 Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS)

 

It is the only green business certification program approved by Britain’s official tourism organization. Its mission is “to offer guidelines to tourism businesses on how to make their operations more sustainable while still delivering a high quality service.” It evaluates on 150 different measures of following ten areas:

  • Compulsory: does the property comply with environmental legislation?
  • Management and Marketing: does the property demonstrate appropriate staff training, monitoring and record-keeping?
  • Social Involvement and Communication: is the facility a “good neighbor” and how well does it communicate its policies to its customers?
  • Energy: is the property’s heating, cooling, lighting, and etc. energy efficient?
  • Water: does the property work to conserve and safely manage water?
  •  Purchasing: does the facility procure environmentally friendly goods and services?
  • Waste: does the property promote and practice the 3R’s – reduce, reuse, recycle?
  • Transport: does the facility promote public transportation and support the use of alternative fuels?
  • Natural and Cultural Heritage: how does the property support biodiversity?
  • Innovation: how does the property increase its sustainability in ways not covered in the previous nine areas?

 

2.7.9 Sustainable Tourism Eco-Certification Program: STEP

 

It was developed by Sustainable Travel International (STI), a non-profit organization. With Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria, it aims at achieving worldwide reach. It was launched in 2007, and is certifying hotels in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, China, Australia and Brazil.

you can view video on Eco-Friendly Practices In Food Service

 

Web links

  • http://healthland.time.com/2012/08/24/33-ways-to-eat-environmentally-friendly/
  • http://www.ecofriendlyfood.in/
  •  http://www.everydayhealth.com/green-health/sustainable-eating/finding-eco-friendly-foods.aspx
  • http://greatist.com/health/33-environmentally-friendly-eating-habits