Embracing an Eco-Friendly Approach at El Bahia
As the owner of El Bahia, a beloved Moroccan restaurant in the heart of New York City, I’ve always been passionate about creating an exceptional dining experience for our guests. But recently, I’ve been on a mission to take our sustainability efforts to the next level, particularly when it comes to hosting events.
You see, I’ve come to realize that sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a crucial responsibility that we as business owners need to embrace. And when it comes to event hosting, the opportunities to make a real impact are endless. From sourcing local, organic ingredients to minimizing waste and energy usage, the path to becoming a more eco-friendly event venue is paved with possibilities.
Assessing Our Current Sustainability Practices
When I first started down this sustainability journey, I’ll admit, I felt a bit overwhelmed. Where do I even begin? What changes do I need to make? How can I ensure that our events are truly environmentally friendly?
But then I stumbled upon a game-changing resource – the Global Sport Industry Conference. This annual event brought together industry leaders who were paving the way in sustainable event management, and I knew I had to attend.
As I listened to speakers like Teddy Lhoutellier, the sustainability director for the University of Miami, and Cynthia Miller, the director of health, safety, and environment for the Miami Dolphins, I realized that the key to success lies in taking a holistic approach. It’s not just about recycling or using energy-efficient light bulbs – it’s about creating a culture of sustainability that permeates every aspect of your business.
Embracing a Circular Economy Mindset
One of the most impactful things I learned at the conference was the concept of a circular economy. Instead of the traditional linear model of “take, make, waste,” a circular economy aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible, extracting the maximum value from them, and then recovering and regenerating products and materials at the end of their service life.
This idea really resonated with me, and I knew it was the key to transforming El Bahia into a more sustainable event venue. So, I got to work, starting with a comprehensive sustainability impact assessment across our organization. As Michael Prairie, the director of sustainability and business optimization for the Florida Panthers, noted, this was a critical first step in their sustainability journey, and it proved invaluable for us as well.
Through this assessment, we were able to identify areas where we were excelling, as well as opportunities for improvement. From there, we developed a detailed action plan, outlining the specific steps we would take to reduce our environmental footprint and embrace a more circular approach.
Implementing Sustainable Event Practices
One of the first things we tackled was our approach to event catering. As Tyler Epp, the president of the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, so eloquently put it, “It’s no longer just about the cars – it’s about the entire cultural event.” And that includes the food and beverages we serve.
We made the decision to partner with local, sustainable farms and producers, ensuring that the ingredients we use are not only fresh and flavorful but also environmentally friendly. We also committed to minimizing food waste by carefully planning our menus and finding creative ways to repurpose any leftovers.
But our sustainability efforts didn’t stop there. We also invested in energy-efficient appliances and lighting systems, implemented a robust recycling program, and even explored the idea of installing solar panels on our rooftop. And perhaps most importantly, we instilled a culture of sustainability among our staff, empowering them to become ambassadors for our eco-friendly initiatives.
The Results: A More Sustainable Event Experience
The changes we’ve made at El Bahia have been nothing short of transformative. Not only have we reduced our environmental impact, but we’ve also seen a significant uptick in event bookings from eco-conscious clients who are drawn to our commitment to sustainability.
Our guests have been thrilled to see the steps we’ve taken, from the compostable plates and utensils we use to the fact that our events now generate zero waste. And the best part? They don’t have to sacrifice quality or experience to enjoy an eco-friendly event. In fact, many of them have commented that our sustainable approach has enhanced the overall atmosphere and ambiance of our events.
But the true measure of our success lies in the tangible impact we’ve had on the environment. By sourcing local, organic ingredients, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing waste, we’ve been able to significantly reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
The Journey Continues
As I reflect on the progress we’ve made at El Bahia, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride and excitement for what’s to come. This sustainability journey has been a challenging but incredibly rewarding one, and I’m excited to continue exploring new and innovative ways to make our events even more eco-friendly.
After all, as Teddy Lhoutellier so eloquently stated, “There is tremendous opportunity” in the world of sustainability, and I’m determined to seize it. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about running a successful business – it’s about leaving the world a better place for generations to come.
So, if you’re planning an event and are looking for a truly sustainable venue, I invite you to come and experience the magic of El Bahia. We may not have all the answers, but we’re committed to constantly learning, growing, and finding new ways to reduce our environmental impact. After all, as they say, every journey begins with a single step – and we’re taking ours with pride and purpose.
