Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Chipotle Going Green

Nope, I’m not talking about salsa! There is no doubt chipotle is an extremely popular fast food chain which is continuing to grow. During a recent visit, I realized how much Chipotle is committed to the environment from animals to using post-consumer waste to recycling.
First off, all meat served at Chipotle is raised naturally. The chickens are cage free while the cows and pigs are not given antibiotics or hormones. In addition to the better taste Steve Ells, the chairman and co-CEO of chipotle, remarks naturally raised animals “is better for the environment, better for the welfare of the animals, and better for the farmers who raise the animals.”

The to-go carriers are brown paper bag marked with a symbol which stated it was 35% post consumer waste. This means 35% of the bag was made from previously recycled goods. Not its 75% or 50% but it is a step in the right direction. The napkins were also partially made from post consumer waste as well.

Finally, the plastic crates food is served in are all recycled and reused. When throwing away your food, there is a special place to put the plastic bins. Instead of serving the food in one-use cardboard containers, Chipotle uses reusable plastic ones. The plastic bins are reused creating much less waste than other fast food outlets.

Overall, Chipotle is a company with a good social awareness for animals and the environment. In my opinion, the few extra dollars are well worth my health and helping the planet. Naturally raised animals, post consumer waste paper goods, and reusing plastic tray are some of the ways Chipotle is making strides to being a sustainable business.

Thank you for giving us another reason to enjoy our burritos!

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