Harnessing the Power of the Sun
In 2018, we took a significant step towards energy efficiency by installing solar panels. This move has reduced our reliance on the grid by 50%, cutting down our energy costs and carbon emissions while making the most of Far North Queensland’s abundant sunshine.
It started with solar …
Turning Food Waste into Healthy Soil
Food waste is a massive contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Recognising this challenge, we conducted a resource and energy audit with the QLD Government’s EcoBiz program. While our kitchen team has always been mindful of waste, we needed a solution for unavoidable food scraps. This led to the creation of Green Food Australia, founded by long-time Salsa family members Jess and Dominik Uhlig. Now, our food waste is converted into nutrient-rich soil enhancers for the Tablelands and Douglas Shire, preventing 9.6 tonnes of waste per year from reaching landfill and locking carbon back into the soil where it belongs.
Fresh, Local Sparkling Water
We bid farewell to bottled sparkling water, eliminating thousands of unnecessary “food miles.” Instead, we use the pristine local water from our region and carbonate it on-site. This simple yet effective change ensures that our guests enjoy the freshest hydration while reducing plastic / glass waste and transport emissions.
Rethinking Takeaway Culture
The myth of compostable coffee cups being an eco-friendly solution doesn’t hold up in our region—there are no commercial composting facilities north of Mackay. To combat this, we made the bold decision to eliminate takeaway coffee cups entirely. Instead, we serve coffee and tea exclusively in-house. As a next step, we encourage our guests to carry reusable ‘Keep Cups’ and water bottles, helping to phase out unnecessary single-use items altogether.
Smart Water Monitoring
In 2022, we introduced smart water meters to track our daily water usage. The severe weather event of 2023 highlighted the fragility of our water infrastructure. With repairs now completed, our smart meters allow us to monitor consumption closely, ensuring we use this precious resource responsibly.
Energy-Efficient Operations
We are continually investing in energy-saving technologies. From LED lighting throughout the venue to digital monitoring systems for our fridges and freezers, we ensure that our equipment operates efficiently in our tropical climate. Smart curtains further help our refrigeration units maintain optimal temperatures, reducing energy consumption. Additionally, we hire our kitchen equipment, including ovens, deep fryers, and flat tops, to ensure they are always in near-new condition and operating at peak efficiency.
Cardboard Recycling Commitment
Our recycling efforts extend beyond the kitchen. Each week, we divert approximately 70kg of cardboard from landfill by taking it directly to the Killaloe Transfer Station. This initiative has prevented over 14 tonnes of cardboard from ending up in the landfill, saving 29,400kg of CO2e emissions.
Why It Matters
Sustainability isn’t just about saving money—though our efforts have certainly helped us cut costs. More importantly, we are motivated by a responsibility to our environment and future generations. Australia has long been a wasteful nation, and recent events, such as the destruction of Cairns’ Bedminster waste facility, highlight the urgency of managing our waste sustainably. With all Tropical North Queensland’s waste now being buried in the Tablelands, the need for action is more pressing than ever.
At Salsa Bar & Grill, we believe that if everyone does their part, we can make a significant impact. By reducing unnecessary emissions and easing the strain on our natural resources, we are committed to leading by example and inspiring change in our community.
Waste less, care more, and join us on our sustainability journey.
