sustainability

 

At Schaffer, environmental responsibility is not a new concept or recent practice. Like all kinds of companies in many other industries, we can't make our products without using natural resources. But we can make our products without using up these resources. Our commitment to being a wise steward of these resources is a natural extension to our philosophy of the business of cooking — "Respect for product, respect for producer, respect for consumer". We publicize what we do to inform our clients and customers, and to have a positive impact on our suppliers and our industry. We are committed to being part of the solution. Here are just a few of the things we are doing.

REDUCING WASTE

  • We strive to send zero waste to landfills, currently diverting 80-90% of waste. We recycle all cardboard, paper, cans, plastic and glass. We compost all food scraps and use only biodegradable disposable plates, utensils and cups which are composted as well. We aim to limit our use of single use products and work with our farmers, purveyors and suppliers to minimize packaging.
  • We use compostable paper straws and coffee stirrers in favor of plastic.
  • We have integrated compostable trash biobags into our operations.
  • We convert our waste grease into biofuel via Further Products. The by-product of the biofuel distillation process, glycerin, is then turned into handsoaps, lotions and candles, which we purchase as well.
  • We donate all leftover foods to Samoshel, a transitional housing facility for homeless adults.

SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT

  • We make every effort to source all food and supplies locally. By creating menus that are seasonal, approximately 70% of the food we serve is produced within 200 miles of Los Angeles, strengthening the local economy and reducing fossil fuels used in shipping.
  • We use leftover and to go containers made from 100% recycled paper that comes from environmentally managed forests, using no old growth trees and certified by Sustainable Forest Initiative.
  • We use 100% post-consumer content office supplies such as printing paper and file folders. Business cards and marketing materials are printed on Forest Stewardship Council certified paper.
  • We consistently purchase non-chlorine bleached (brown) paper items such as paper bags, paper towels and coffee filters.
  • We serve only Fair Trade certified coffee and tea. Offering consumers a powerful way to reduce poverty through their everyday shopping, Fair Trade standards also emphasize reinvestment into the education, healthcare and farm improvements in the communities of origin.

CONSERVING WATER & ENERGY

  • Our electric cooking equipment is Energy Star endorsed. Our computers also meet the highest Energy Star and EPEAT standards.
  • We use water efficient faucet aerators on hand sinks emitting 0.5 gallons per minute and an ultra-low-flow pre-rinse spray nozzle.
  • Ultra-low-flow toilet using 1.6 gallons per flush.
  • We use NEST Learning Thermostats in our facility which reduces energy for heating and cooking by at least 10%.

ECO-FRIENDLY CLEANING

  • We use several Green Seal certified non-toxic cleaning products for maintaining our facilities.
  • We practice integrated pest management that does not involve poisons and toxins.
  • Our ventilation system is cleaned and maintained using a green program that uses biodegradable chemicals and limited water.

CARBON NEUTRAL & 100% GREEN POWERED

  • We purchase verifiable Renewable Energy Certificates to offset our carbon emissions and general energy use. These RECs give renewable energy projects the ability to compete economically with the fossil fuel industry. In many cases, the RECs also provide new income streams to small farms through land lease payments from wind farm and solar developers.

ENVIRONMENTAL ALLIES

  • Sustainable Works is a Santa Monica based non-profit environmental education organization whose mission is to foster a culture of sustainability in cities, colleges and businesses. Sustainable Works provides Green business certification for Santa Monica businesses.
  • Chefs Collaborative is the leading nonprofit network of chefs that fosters a sustainable food system through advocacy, education, and collaboration with the broader food community.
  • 3Degrees is a San Francisco based company that allows businesses to reduce their environmental footprint by originating and providing Green-e Energy Certified Renewable Energy Certificates and third party certified Verified Emission Reductions.
  • Green Seal is an independent, non-profit organization that uses science based standards and the power of the marketplace to create a more sustainable world.
  • Slow Food USA is an idea, a way of living and a way of eating. It is a global, grassroots movement with thousands of members around the world that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment.
  • The Monterey Bay Aquarium has created the Center for the Future of the Oceans. Through the Center, they aim to empower individuals, influence policy and contribute to the protection of the oceans for future generations. Their sustainable seafood guide "Seafood Watch" is an invaluable tool for seafood purchasing decisions.