In the modern economy, environmental sustainability is one factor in how businesses can stand out and thrive. Each month, the Salt Lake Chamber will highlight a Utah business making positive strides for the environment and our natural resources to encourage support and innovation.
Our feature, LUX Catering & Events, has been prioritizing sustainability for over a decade. Based in Salt Lake City, this full-service catering and events company leads the way in eco-friendly practices. We asked Managing Partner Kelly Lake a series of questions about their sustainability practices.
When did LUX Catering’s drive to become more environmentally conscious begin and what inspired the shift towards a stronger commitment to sustainability?
About 10 years ago, we made the decision to focus on sustainability. After attending a convention to learn more about sustainable practices, we were inspired and excited to implement what we had learned. We envisioned becoming a sustainable company and were excited to implement this vision across all areas of our operations, creating a lasting impact and fostering a culture of sustainability throughout our business.
Since becoming a Benefit Corporation, sustainability has remained a key priority for us. We’ve worked to reduce our environmental impact through initiatives like using local ingredients, reducing waste and recycling. We’re proud to be part of a food industry in Salt Lake that supports one another and works together to protect the community. However, catering presents its own unique challenges in maintaining sustainability while ensuring safety and cleanliness.
Tell me about your recycling programs and where the recycled waste is directed.
As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, we continually strive to minimize our environmental impact by exploring new ways to reduce waste. Our partnership with Momentum Recycling is a key aspect of this effort, as it allows us to turn food scraps into valuable fertilizers for local parks and farms, reducing landfill waste and supporting sustainable agriculture. In addition to diverting waste, we are proud to contribute to the Waste to Energy Recycling Facility, which transforms non-recyclable materials into energy.
This innovative facility plays a vital role in powering our local community, helping us reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future. Through these initiatives, we aim to close the loop on waste and energy, creating a system where resources are continually reused to benefit our environment and the community.
What has the customer response been to your sustainability initiatives?
Our customers have embraced our sustainability initiatives, showing strong support for our efforts to protect the environment. They appreciate the transparency of our recycling options and feel empowered knowing their choices contribute to a positive impact. We ensure everything we use is either post-consumer or recyclable, reinforcing our commitment to a circular economy.
Sustainability is at the heart of what we do at LUX. It’s not just a priority; it’s our mission. We collaborate with like-minded partners to maintain a focus on environmental responsibility, offering sustainable solutions across every aspect of our business.
What was the response from your employees to become more sustainable?
When we introduced the idea of becoming more sustainably conscious, our employees fully embraced it. Many took personal initiative, finding creative ways to reduce waste, such as collecting and recycling gloves. It’s truly a team effort, with each member actively seeking ways to contribute to our sustainability goals. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated team; all focused on making a difference in our environmental impact and ensuring they fully support our initiatives. This collective effort strengthens our commitment to sustainability and drives meaningful change throughout the company.
What advice would you give to businesses that want to become more sustainable?
Identify those within your team who are already passionate about sustainability and let them take the lead. You may be surprised by who is already making an impact in their personal lives. Empower them to bring their ideas to life and support them every step of the way. Here in Salt Lake, our community is deeply committed to sustainability and it’s a shared value that drives us all forward.
Ensure that your facilities are equipped to handle waste properly and understand which types of recycling are supported in your area. Encourage staff to utilize these resources and fulfill the need for sustainable practices. Start with small actions to build excitement and awareness, like promoting the use of E-bikes or offering UTA passes as incentives. Little changes can spark enthusiasm and make a big difference in cultivating a culture of sustainability.
Do you have a favorite simple strategy to be sustainable in your own life?
One of the simplest steps I’ve taken to stay sustainable at home is to have three color-coded garbage bins for proper sorting and recycling. I also make a conscious effort to only bring items into my house that I would be comfortable using in the business. I’m particularly mindful of packaging and try to avoid large plastic containers like laundry detergent. This is becoming more common as more people are aware of the impact of plastic waste and are seeking alternatives. It’s encouraging to see so many consumers, including myself, becoming more informed about what their favorite brands are doing to support sustainability and recycling efforts.
To read other sustainability stories, click here.
