Over the past couple of years Chick-fil-A has implemented a company wide environmental stewardship initiative, which is aimed at reducing its waste and energy/water consumption. All of Chick-fil-A’s newly designed restaurants include many innovative features that cut down on the annual amount of water and energy used. These new restaurants include low-flow water fixtures in the restroom and kitchen as well as an underground cistern that collects water and reuses it for landscape irrigation. As a result, these newly designed Chick-fil-A restaurants will use 40 percent less water than a typical restaurant. Not only do these new eco-friendly restaurants conserve water but they are also energy efficient. They now feature skylights in the dining area and windows in the kitchen as well as energy efficient appliances. These new changes have reduced energy usage by 14 percent per restaurant. Chick-fil-A has also decided to construct new restaurants with materials that do not emit harmful gasses. This means that new restaurants contain 30 percent more fresh air than a typical building. On the other hand, Taco Bell’s restaurants do not contain many water and energy conserving features. Although their restaurants are not very eco-friendly, the company has taken some steps to reduce their restaurant’s energy and water usage. Over 5,600 Taco Bell restaurants nationwide have implemented the grill to order process, which has saved $5,900 a year in electricity per store. Taco Bell has also taken steps to its new sustainability approach by adding healthier options to its new “Fresco Menu”. Recycling is a very important aspect of sustainability, and Chick-fil-A’s cardboard and foam cups used in their everyday operations of the restaurant are being recycled at many of their locations. Chick-fil-A’s foam cups are made out of polystyrene, which can be reused and recycled. Chick-fil-A is currently recycling their foam cups in 25 percent of their freestanding locations and is actively expanding their recycling program so that by the end of 2014, 80 percent of their restaurants will also be recycling their foam cups. Not only is Chick-fil-A working to recycle their foam cups, but also their tray liners, paper bags, and napkins are recyclable and made out of 100 percent recycled content. About 80% of Chick-fil-A locations reuse their peanut oil, which also helps cut down on wastes and costs. Unfortunately, Taco Bell does not have a company wide recycling program and does not reuse any of their materials.