Sustainability
Good food starts with good choices. Here is how we are building a cafe that gives back more than it takes.
Our Commitments
Sustainability is not a marketing initiative at Birdy — it is a core operating principle. From the farms we source from to the packaging we serve in, every decision is weighed against its environmental and social impact.
We set measurable goals, track our progress publicly, and hold ourselves accountable. We are not perfect, and we are transparent about where we fall short. But every quarter, we get closer to the cafe we want to be: one that nourishes people without depleting the planet.
80%
Local sourcing (within 150 mi)
87%
Waste diverted from landfill
35%
Water usage reduction
12K+
Meals donated in 2024
Sourcing Practices
We believe the best food starts with the closest, freshest ingredients.
30+ Local Farm Partners
We source directly from over 30 farms, fisheries, and artisan producers across the Pacific Northwest. Every partnership is built on fair pricing, seasonal planning, and mutual respect.
Seasonal Menus
Our menu rotates quarterly to reflect what the land is producing. This means peak-flavor ingredients with lower transportation emissions and less reliance on industrial agriculture.
Within 150 Miles
Over 80% of our produce travels fewer than 150 miles from farm to plate. Shorter supply chains mean fresher food and a smaller carbon footprint.
Fair Trade Coffee & Tea
Our coffee and tea are sourced from Fair Trade-certified cooperatives. We pay above-market rates to support sustainable farming communities.
Environmental Impact
Concrete steps we are taking to reduce our environmental footprint.
100% Compostable Packaging
Every takeout container, cup, lid, and utensil is made from compostable materials. We eliminated single-use plastics across all locations in 2023.
Water Conservation
Low-flow fixtures, waterless cleaning where possible, and a greywater recycling pilot at our Bellingham Bay location. We have reduced water usage per serving by 35% since 2021.
Renewable Energy
Our Ferndale Flagship and Lynnwood Plaza locations run on 100% renewable electricity. We are on track to convert all five locations by 2027.
Zero Waste by 2028
We currently divert 87% of our waste from landfills through composting, recycling, and food donation programs. Our goal is to reach true zero waste across all locations by 2028.
Community Initiatives
A cafe is only as strong as the community it serves. Here is how we give back.
Farmers' Market Partnerships
We sponsor and participate in weekly farmers' markets in Ferndale, Bellingham, and Seattle. These events are where we first met many of our current suppliers, and they remain a vital connection point between our cafes and the communities we serve.
Food Recovery Program
At the end of each day, unsold prepared food is donated to local shelters and food banks through our partnership with Northwest Harvest. In 2024, we donated over 12,000 meals.
School Garden Grants
Our Birdy Seeds program provides $500 grants and volunteer hours to elementary school garden projects across Washington state. We have helped launch 14 school gardens since 2022.
Barista Training Scholarships
We offer paid training apprenticeships for young people entering the food service industry, focusing on sustainable practices, food safety, and career development.
Looking Ahead
We publish an annual sustainability report every January, detailing our progress against each goal. We share what worked, what did not, and what we are changing. We believe accountability is the only path to real progress.
If you have ideas, feedback, or want to partner with us on a sustainability initiative, we would love to hear from you. Reach out at sustainability@birdycafe.com.
Every Meal Is a Choice
When you eat at Birdy, you are supporting local farms, reducing waste, and investing in community. That is the kind of fast food we can all feel good about.
Order with Purpose