Running a Sustainable Food Truck

Street food especially a food truck is increasingly popular and somewhat of a fashion. We expect to see these at every outdoor event.  If we are in this business,  then social responsibility demands that we not only serve quirky interesting menus but also cater to our customers’ preference for food businesses which support and incorporates where possible,  sustainable practices.

Here are some simple tips to make your food truck sustainable:
If you have any additional suggestions on how a food truck can become more sustainable, let us know.   

Food sourcing

• Go local, organic and fair-trade - whenever possible support your local farmers. Get to know them. You can even weave a story about each ingredient and the person behind it to tell your customers. Personalise it. This will help to support local farmers whilst providing your customers with healthier options. If the products need to be sourced from overseas, support fair-trade products that help small scale producers and workers.
• Source for a sustainable meat producer – get your meat from farms that raise their animals on open pastures and without the use of any added hormones or antibiotics.
• Know the source of your seafood – where it is from and how it is caught.

Packaging

• For food sourced, reduce packaging and transport via shipping
  Request that goods are sent not by air but by sea and with the least amount of packaging material and definitely not Styrofoam packaging
• For food takeaway containers - use environment friendly products such as biodegradable takeaways plates, bowls, cups and utensils such as. Element tableware which is 100% biodegradable, durable and of a strong quality.

Recycle, Reduce and Reuse

• Recycle your fryer oil– source for bio fuel companies to send it to or that will pick it up and convert it.
• Reduce the use of bottled water. Where possible use filtered water in large containers and provide biodegradable or recycled paper cups.
• Reduce waste by providing options for sides and top-ups instead of simply piling unwanted sides to the main food.
• Compost garbage/food waste and recycle paper, glass and plastic (if used) by providing bins for customers who eat whilst standing at your food stall. These can be taken to a local facility at the end of the trading day.

Energy – Savings and Going Green  

• Improve the overall fuel-efficiency of your truck as much as 30% by simple vehicle maintenance and attention to your style of driving. It will not only save the environment but your money too.
• Use solar panels or generator powered by natural gas for your truck/van.
• Where possible use energy saving electronics and appliances and maximise the use of natural lighting.
• Green your cleaning routine by using non-toxic cleaning products
• Green Mobile kitchen equipment  -  major equipment producers, like Hobart and Unified Brands, are developing greener, cleaner, energy-smart machines which will also save you money in the long run.

Buying in bulk

Look into joining (or forming) a local co-op for purchasing green items such as cleaning supplies in bulk.

Staff education and orientation

• Educate yourself and staff on green issues and practices. More importantly, our staff needs know whyyou’re doing what you’re doing, so that they can be your green ambassadors
• Volunteer yourself and your staff - one day per month for example to community service such as helping out in the local soup kitchen,  local school or community garden