Spotlight: Taco Time NW

I nerd out a bit about Taco Time NW. Sure, it was my first summer job in high school, but also, the "sour cream" on their soft tacos is ranch dip, so what's not to love?

However, what's really cool about Taco Time is they have cared about their ingredients and packaging long before there was a plastic straw ban or "ask first before handing out consumables" law in Seattle. 

Taco Time proudly sources their ingredients from local suppliers. As a local, family-owned company themselves, they understand that sourcing from local suppliers means supporting the local economy as well as reducing fuel and costs to transport those ingredients.

Next... EVERY ITEM of packaging in their store is 100% compostable (except for ketchup packets). Long story short, back in 2010, they understood that the area was going in the direction of fully recyclable or compostable for food containers, and after testing some options, realized it's hard for customers to sort their trash, and much of the recyclables were contaminated, etc. Not only do we know you can't recycle your way out of plastic waste, but choosing 100% compostable was easier on customers and with better results (ie not losing out on contaminated recycling). Taco Time NW has now been a leader with compostable serviceware for several years. If you'd like to learn more about their process to get there, read this. 

While I've noticed the compostable serviceware for some years now, this new sign caught my eye on my last visit.Taco Time NW has 2 new sustainability initiatives: 1) Match their electrical consumption with investments in renewable energy, and 2) Make their restaurants carbon neutral through partnerships with forest projects. To learn more and not read this tiny picture, visit their page here.

So next time you are craving a fast-food taco, consider visiting one of the 79 restaurants in the PNW. You can eat guilt-free with a sustainability leader in the industry. Maybe just a bit of guilt though for asking for an extra side of ranch!