Las Cruces has been stepping up to support its eateries in their time of need. Since sitting areas are closed and To Go or home delivery are the only options, some restaurants are looking at new ways to stay green while serving their customers.
Russell Hernandez, co-owner of Salud! de Mesilla at 1800 Avenida de Mesilla, has tried to adjust as much as possible. The normally well-lit dining room is dark but he’s answering customer calls as they come in, ready to take To Go orders, and has orders popping from their website.
While Salud’s hours have already changed -- Wednesday through Saturday, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday, it’s 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Hernandez stressed that it was important that they kept on track with their values, providing sustainable business tactics, such as serving orders in EarthChoice containers - paper board containers made with sustainable forestry initiatives.
Even though his containers won’t be recycled - the containers have food waste that contaminates them - it’s a way for customers to be reminded that styrofoam and plastic bags don’t need to be the only way to go for To Go. In fact, Hernandez carries each order out in a brown bag paper (which can be recycled)and has gone completely electronic with his purchases; customers get a text or an email with their receipt.
“Every bit helps,” said Hernandez. “Some of our regular customers will have their insulated bags in their trunk and we bring their order to them and place it in their bags.”
He explained that the only issue he’s had with sustainability has been with condiments. “We’ll have changes with that in the future, but I wanted to use what we have in stock first now,” he said. “We’re committed to see our customers here in the future, but we know we can stay as green as possible in the meantime.”
The South Central Solid Waste Authority can be reached at 575-528-3800 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The SCSWA provides solid waste and recycling services to Las Cruces and Dona Ana County residents and businesses. More information at www.SCSWA.net.