Happy Earth Day! We usually recognize several frozen yogurt shops on Earth Day for their eco-friendly practices, but we were so impressed with Yo-Chi that we decided to focus on just on Yo-Chi’s leadership in sustainability. Customers increasingly value businesses that care for the environment and forward-thinking shops like Yo-Chi are setting inspiring examples.
Yo-Chi’s Eco-Friendly Leadership
Yo-Chi, a popular frozen yogurt chain in Australia, has taken sustainability to heart by integrating eco-friendly practices across its operations. Here are some of their practices that help minimize waste and encourage conscious consumption:
- Free sparkling water at its shops enhances the customer experience but also reduces the consumption of single-use beverage packaging. The water station is perfect for refilling Yo-Chi (and other) water bottles and also offers reusable drinking glasses for people who want a glass of water.
- Discontinuing the sale of beverages in plastic bottles and cans. Yo-Chi removed its drink fridges to cut down on plastic bottles and cans.
- Offering reusable Yo-Chi bowls for sale. The ceramic bowls are designed by an Australian company, Robert Gordon Pottery. A month ago, Yo-Chi partnered with @keepcup on its newest reusable bowls.
- A shop built with 100% recyclable materials. Yo-Chi’s shop in Coogee, NSW, Australia, is its first built with 100% recyclable materials. It opened in October 2024.
- Compostable froyo cups with reminders to dispose of them responsibly. The frozen yogurt cup design reminds customers to put the compostable cup in the compostable bin. The winning design was chosen in a coloring competition with Keep Australia Beautiful.
- Locally sourced ingredients: Reducing the carbon footprint by partnering with local suppliers. The Special Chi (topping) is often created in conjunction with a local chef.
These thoughtful steps position Yo-Chi as a leader in the frozen yogurt space, proving that small, consistent actions can lead to meaningful environmental impact. Or in Yo-Chi’s own words, “Yo-Chi is on a mission to create positive energy for the planet. We want to make sustainable, earth-friendly retail the new norm. By making changes in our own business, we hope to inspire conscious consumers and businesses to do the same. The first step requires radical honesty, without rose-coloured glasses or flattering filters. It’s about acknowledging the reality of disposable packaging that ends up in landfill. It’s weighing up the business opportunity of selling bottled water against the devastating impact of single-use plastics on the environment.”
How Other Frozen Yogurt Shops Can Go Green
If you’re a frozen yogurt shop owner, it’s easier than you might think to adopt sustainable practices. Here are some actionable tips to make your shop more eco-friendly:
1. Use Compostable Cups and Spoons
Swap out plastic utensils and cups for compostable alternatives made from materials like cornstarch or bamboo. Sustainable packaging options can be sturdy, stylish, and Earth-friendly.
2. Install a Refillable Water Station
Take a page from Yo-Chi’s playbook and offer free sparkling or still water at your shop. Encourage customers to use reusable bottles by providing a refill station. It’s a small step that can have a big impact on reducing plastic waste.
3. Source Locally
Work with local dairy and produce suppliers to reduce transportation emissions. Highlighting local ingredients can also appeal to customers who value supporting local communities.
4. Implement Recycling Programs
Place clearly labeled recycling and compost bins in your store to make it easy for customers to dispose of waste responsibly. You can also partner with local recycling initiatives for more impactful waste management.
5. Offer Discounts for Reusable Containers
Encourage customers to bring their own bowls or containers by offering a small discount on their purchases. This not only reduces waste but also fosters customer loyalty.
6. Reduce Energy Usage
Adopt energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting in your shop. Additionally, consider sourcing electricity from renewable energy providers to further reduce your carbon footprint.
7. Promote Sustainable Education
Use your shop’s social media or in-store displays to educate customers about your eco-friendly efforts. Share stats about the environmental benefits of compostable materials or offer tips for reducing single-use plastics at home.
8. Use Green Cleaning Supplies
Conventional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can pollute water systems and contribute to air pollution when disposed of improperly. Green cleaning supplies are biodegradable, minimizing their environmental footprint.
Why It Matters
Incorporating eco-friendly practices isn’t just good for the planet—it’s also a smart business move. Today’s customers are drawn to businesses that align with their values, and sustainability is a key factor for many. By taking steps to reduce waste, conserve energy, and promote conscious consumption, frozen yogurt shops can build stronger connections with their communities and contribute to a healthier environment. We also recognize eco-friendliness in our Swirl of Honor program that recognizes frozen yogurt shop excellence.
Whether it’s through something as simple as offering free sparkling water or as comprehensive as overhauling packaging options, every effort counts. The frozen yogurt industry has the potential to lead by example, one eco-conscious cup at a time.
