A new booklet to help publicans in County Mayo cut costs and improve their environmental performance was launched this week. The booklet, Calling Time on Waste: a publican’s handbook to a leaner, greener, cost base, is the result of a collaboration of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland, Monaghan County Council and the Environmental Protection Agency.
“The key message of the booklet is that if we don’t create waste in the first place we won’t have to pay the financial and environmental costs of dealing with it subsequently,” said Dr Gerry Byrne, EPA programme manager.
Dr Byrne added: “As the financial climate for all sectors looks more challenging, publicans can use the tips in this booklet to ensure that they are getting the best value for money spent on inputs, water, and energy. Small innovations in business practice can lead to real savings in cost and improvements in environmental performance.”
It is estimated that the average pub in County Mayo will save €1,000 a year if the recommendations are followed. Among other tips, the booklet highlights how publicans can save money by changing light bulbs to energy efficient CFLs (up to €1,400 a year ), installing energy efficient lighting and timers on fridges (up to €800 a year ), turning off fridges in the ‘back room’ during the week (up to €300 a year ), installing timers on their beer cooling systems (up to €400 a year ) and installing night meters (up to €600 a year ).
The booklet forms part of the Local Authority Prevention Demonstration (LAPD ) Programme, funded by the EPA’s National Waste Prevention Programme.
The booklet will be distributed to VFI members throughout the country. A copy of the booklet can be found on the EPA’s website at www.lapd.ie
