Sustainability, Reduce & Recycling
Reducing Food Waste
Food waste can be a problem in the hospitality sector but we tackle this by:-
Educating and training staff on what can be re-used.
Forecasting daily numbers with Production Teams on TV & Film sets to minimise any waste.
Working with our partners to ensure food waste recycling is available.
Compostable / recyclable Packaging
All our take away containers, coffee cups and lids are 100% plant based and fully compostable
Paper bags, wooden cutlery, straws and stirrers are fully recyclable
Cardboard, Bottles, plastics, cans are separated for recycling and collection from our Secret Garden Cafe.
We work with TV & Film Productions to segregate waste for recycling and collection from Unit Base and service areas.
Supporting Global Farmers
Our coffee, tea, bananas, sugar, avocados are Fairtrade.
Tree Planting
Commenced in 2022; every year Big Occasions will plant a tree a week within the Eco Nature Reserve in Ballymena. We as a business want to ensure the environment and planet is nurtured for the next generation and are working in our local area with local Friends of the Eco Centre and Council to reduce our carbon footprint. Later in the year we will be working with a local Scouts group to help them achieve their Forester Activity Badge.
Less Waste – Refill Incentive
We offer complimentary water refilling at The Secret Garden Coffeshop.
We also offer monetary discount for customers who bring their eco friendly cup or a take away box for hot food.
The majority of TV & Film productions bring in water stations to reduce single use plastic – we as a company will only offer tetra-pak water cartons when asked to provide water for cast and crew.
Sourcing Local and cooking with the seasons
By buying locally and cooking with the seasons, we can reduce the food miles of our business, help protect our soils and develop closer relationships with local suppliers.
Currently working with local allotment growers to establish bespoke pop up evenings in Ballymena so they get planting for a purpose and we can provide a culinary surprise for local residents #goodfoodmovement #secretmenu