Tips - Greening up your space

TIPS FOR GREENING

Sure, we all know to recycle our empties, but there are many other ways you can lighten your impact on the environment. Here are some things you can do to help reduce your “footprint”.

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Go “green” with your spirits menu. Many companies are making an effort to become more environmentally friendly during production. You can choose from a variety of brands that are certified organic or are eco-friendly and value a small carbon footprint. Ditch the plastics. Use items that can be washed and reused. For instance, instead of cocktail napkins use coasters made from recycled materials or bamboo, which grows faster than wood. Choose glass swizzle sticks over the plastic ones and use bar towels instead of paper towels. Recycle and reuse bottles. Many brands are reusing their materials and creating things like glassware out of recycled bottles. Also, you can find cool vintage bar tools and stuff in thrift stores. These pieces will add character to your bar and you don’t need to buy new stuff.

ON THE HOUSE: Check to see if your refrigerator is operating efficiently by placing a dollar bill in the door and closing it. If you can slip the bill out of the door easily, it is time to replace the seal.

UP YOUR SPACE

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Choose locally grown fruits, herbs, vegetables, and other garnishes. Grow your own behind the bar. Use fresh squeezed juices in your cocktails to reduce more bottles and cartons. Conserve energy. There are many ways to conserve energy, like unplugging the icemaker when the bin is full or making sure the seal on your refrigerator is working efficiently. Make sure all appliances are unplugged when not in use. Finally, lose the lights if you can, switch to candles or LED light strips. Get some plants. Plants will create a cozy atmosphere and can be used to reduce indoor air pollution. Plants breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen. Some of the best plants for cleaning air indoors are: Aloe Vera, Bamboo, Chinese Evergreen, Devils Ivy, Ficus, Umbrella, and Arrowhead plants. You can cover potting soil with aquarium rocks or marbles to add a creative touch.