MARYVILLE Tenn. Ruby Tuesday said Monday that it is implementing several new eco-friendly initiatives at its more than 900 casual-dining restaurants.
The chain announced the initiatives to coincide with the celebration of Earth Day on Wednesday.
Ruby Tuesday officials said the chain's plans include reducing waste by 320 tons per year, largely through the repackaging of its salad bar’s salad dressings from large plastic containers to sleeker pouches; reducing exhaust emissions and fuel usage of delivery trucks by streamlining delivery routes and prohibiting idling when parked at Ruby Tuesday restaurants; and reducing energy and water usage by using and recycling fluorescent light bulbs and installing low-flow water faucets.
In addition, Ruby Tuesday said it would produce its menu on recycled paper that is manufactured with wind-generated electricity and printed with nontoxic, soy-based inks.
To share its progress with customers, Ruby Tuesday said it created a website, www.AGreenRuby.com, to tracks all of its eco-friendly changes.
Richard Johnson, who spearheaded Ruby Tuesday’s initial green program that began several years ago, said the chain’s green commitments “started with small changes with regard to our supplies and paper products."
Contact Elissa Elan at [email protected].