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Environment

Seeking to strengthen their bottom lines, increase the value of their business and minimize their impact on the environment, more restaurateurs are seeking out and incorporating sustainable practices into their food service operations.

From state and local energy and agricultural policies, to food waste and packaging restrictions, it is important for restaurant operators to understand the issues that impact the profitability of their business.

RAMW works with a number of businesses which can help you better understand these issues, help you build sustainability into your existing operations and provide food waste management solutions.


Follow the Rules: What does "Recycled" Mean to You? New Guide Requires Precision

February 28, 2013
Scott Attman, Acme Paper & Supply Co. for Franchise Times Now that the Federal Trade Commission’s new Green Guides are in effect, restaurant industry and other franchisors can expect big changes in several elements of their business. For starters, marketers who pitch products as environmentally friendly have to back up their claims or face fines. If the FTC finds product marketing misleading, it will begin filing suits against the companies in question, just as it does for health claims made by food manufacturers. Precise verbiage in product descriptions will be important, but there...

Bag Tax FAQs

January 1, 2010
BAG TAX FAQs Q. When do I have to start charging $.05 for bags? A. You should be charging for bags NOW…and starting January 1, 2010. Q. Do I have to charge for all carry out bags? A. If you have a restaurant business license (e.g. not a deli or grocery license) and you provide seating you are exempt from charging for paper bags ONLY. You must charge for any other type of disposable carry out bag, other than a Wine Doggie Bag. Q. With all the talk about paper and plastic, what about biodegradable and compostable bags that are neither paper nor plastic? A. Under the definitions of the...Read more

DC Bag Bill Update

December 31, 2009
DC Bag Bill Update On Tuesday, December 15th, Councilmember Wells moved emergency legislation (which passed unanimously) to provide extra time for businesses to meet the requirements of Section 3 of the Anacostia River Cleanup and Protection Act of 2009. Specifically, Councilmember Wells had heard from some businesses with concerns that they will not have enough time to use previously purchased and existing stock of plastic and paper bags that may not be compliant with the new law. While the Council’s action clearly moves the District progressively to reduce the harmful impact of...Read more

Waste Hauling (Arlington County, VA)

October 15, 2009
FormerRAMW Public Policy Advisor Patrick Horn testifies in front of theVirginia General Assembly's Committee on Local Government, outlining the problems for restaurants stemming from Arlington’s proposal to franchise waste hauling services. Date: Feb 2005. Issue Status : The problematic 2005 proposal was eventually vetoed by Governor Tim Kaine. PDF FileRead more

Trash Service & Community Health (DC)

October 15, 2009
RAMW President Lynne Breaux testifies at a public hearing to voice support for the Trash Compactor Incentive Act of 2008, which provides financial assistance to restaurants to purchase or lease trash compactors. Date: Nov 2008. Issue Status : The 2008 Act was ultimately not passed by the DC City Council. PDF FileRead more

Plastic Bag Tax (DC)

October 15, 2009
RAMW President Lynne Breaux testifies in front of the DC Committees on Government Operations and the Environment, and Finance and Revenue, pointing out the undue regulatory burden placed on restaurants by the proposed bag tax measure. Date: April 2009. Issue Status : The measure passed the DC City Council in July 2009, thoughwith exemptions for paper and reusable carryout bags, and bags fortranporting partially consumed wine bottles ("wine doggy bags"). Itwill enter into effect in January 2010. PDF FileRead more

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