Innovation

Pub Dog has taken strides to becoming more environmentally friendly by changing all to-go containers to biodegradable packaging. This packaging has helped the company improve its brand image and has since helped eliminate waste on both the company side and consumer side. Biodegradable containers leave zero toxic residues once biodegraded, a process that can be accomplished from 2-6 months. Having sustainable dishes and mugs in the restaurant as well as brewing their own beer has been profitable and scalable for the company which allowed for them to expand to their second location in 2007. House brewed beers at Pub Dog do not involve wastes that normal brewers encounter such as glass bottles and this helps mitigate prices with recycling in house processes. All leftover wastes or excess food is donated to local farmers for consumption.

Inspiration

The founders Steve and George's business model was simple: "Offer 2 things and make them better than anyone else: Beer & Pizza." George being the brew master and Steve being the business man came together and created their idea of Pub Dog in 2001. Brewing home made beers and offering personal sized pizza has been very sustainable for the company. They were able to expand their efforts to a second location in Columbia, MD in 2007. They count inventory every week to decrease waste and are meticulous on not over-purchasing. The benefit of having two stores within proximity of one another has been beneficial on their consumption costs as they can share products between the stores. They also use reusable dishes for all food/drinks and implemented biodegradable to-go containers to decrease overall waste.

Overall impact

The impact of Pub Dogs efforts in decreasing waste is best exemplified on its use of recyclables on a daily basis and incorporating biodegradable to-go containers. They are eliminating the need for wasteful plastic and using an agricultural by-product which automatically dissolves away regardless of environment. With the use of recyclables and biodegradable containers, fewer raw materials are needed. Also, brewing their own beers is sustainable as they can reuse products and eliminate excess costs/wastes associated with outsourced purchasing. They are efficient with their brew cycles and are able to reuse their kegs and brewing techniques as well as eliminating the waste associated with bottled beers. Research has shown that 10 million tons of glass waste is produced every year and only about a third of it is recycled. The other 2/3 of the bottles end up in the landfill or worse are polluted along our streets. Survey on road pollution yields that 60% of roadside waste are bottles of which more than 50% are glass bottles. This is especially dangerous for our environment and has a negative impact on our Eco-system and animals.

Business benefit

Brand image is increased by sourcing biodegradable containers and home-brewed craft beers. Sourcing this initiative helps implement positive change for the consumer and helps them become more conscientious of their environment. "Help us help you," said by Rachel Brewington, a manager who has been with Pub Dog for 3 years. Customers shared they appreciated that the company was becoming more conscientious of their environment and has since helped them be more conscious in their own homes. Offering sustainable measure on a large scale can show positive impact on reducing waste as a company and can trickle down to the consumer. As word spreads, it started to trend that Pub Dog is becoming sustainable and cares for their environment and that alone attracts consumers. Afterall, who does not appreciate a company that serves great food and beer, has love for dogs and now, the environment? Long term benefits will show substantial cut down on waste and costs, inevitably having a positive impact on our society.

Social and environmental benefit

The greatest benefit is decreasing waste and pollution. Recyclable and biodegradable materials are more sustainable and help the consumer decrease wastes in their personal lives. By using bio-degradable products, they are reducing the presence of plastic wastes in our landfills and eliminating the negative effects it poises on our individual environments. With the theme of Dogs fostered in their brand, they take conscious strides in donating proceeds annually to animal rescue initiatives such as Barks, ASCPA, and other dog charities. They also distribute gift cards to inner city and county schools daily. They continue to donate and host silent auctions around town where all the proceeds are donated to said charities.

I remember when our historic town of Old Ellicott City flooded, causing disasterous conditions to all the shops that are located on main street. Pub Dog took this personally and hosted relief fundraisers where they donated proceeds to the relief fund. They even took time to volunteer and help clean up the mess after the disaster as many locals did wearing shirts that bolstered #ECstrong. Many people took it upon themselves and joined along saying cleaning our city is our duty and we will rebuild it ourselves. The relief had ripple affects and even caught attention of the Baltimore Ravens as they got involved in the relief efforts. I am happy to announce that with efforts set forth by Pub Dog, community members and businesses alike, Old Ellicott City is back up to pace and running like normal.

Interview

Gary & Rachel, Manager