To make it easier for consumers to find eco-friendly businesses, Yelp announced today it has partnered with Plastic Pollution Coalition to bring new searchable attributes onto the Yelp platform, including “Plastic-free packaging,” “Provides reusable tableware,” “Bring your own container allowed,” “Compostable containers available,” and “EV charging station available.”
Yelp users can find the sustainability attributes on business pages listed under the “Amenities and more” section on Yelp.com or the “Info” section in Yelp’s iOS or Android app, as well as highlighted on business listings in applicable search results.
The new Yelp sustainability attributes will allow people to more easily find eateries, bars, and cafes that are plastic free and support our values of thriving communities and a healthy, livable planet. We’re grateful Yelp is using its platform in this way and we’re excited the new attributes will help more sustainable businesses stand out for their green practices.
Dianna Cohen, Co-Founder and CEO of Plastic Pollution Coalition
In addition to the new eco-friendly attributes, existing relevant attributes, such as “Bike parking” and “Vegan,” will also be searchable and highlighted in Yelp search results and business pages.
Business owners can add the new attributes to their Yelp Page for free by logging into their Yelp for Business account and editing their “Business Information” section. Yelp is also surveying consumers to inform these attributes through the “Update the community” questions on Yelp business pages.
Helping Businesses Become More Sustainable
Yelp is also introducing a new Sustainability Resource Hub for businesses to help provide business owners with the tools they need to implement eco-friendly practices. The hub provides access to information from environmental nonprofits including Plastic Pollution Coalition, along with Coalition members and partners Upstream, Reusable LA, Surfrider Foundation, ReThink Disposable, and Food Rescue Hero.
Yelp’s collection of resources provides tools to help businesses effectively communicate to consumers how they’re giving back to the environment, learn how to adopt more sustainable business practices, and get inspired by the efforts of other local businesses like theirs.
Plastic Pollution Coalition’s Plastic-Free Eateries Guide is another helpful resource for businesses looking to shift away from single-use plastic and toward better options.
Meeting Consumer Demand for More Eco-Friendly Options
Yelp reports that users are increasingly looking for more eco-friendly options on the platform, saying searches for “plant based” have increased an average of 56% each year from 2018 to 2021, and searches for “EV charging” have increased an average of 41% each year.
Today more than ever, consumers are seeking businesses that prioritize sustainability to help reduce their environmental harm. Adopting more eco-friendly business practices and consumer habits have never been more important, which is why we’re working with Plastic Pollution Coalition and others to double down on our commitment to sustainability this Earth Day.
Akhil Kuduvalli Ramesh, VP of Consumer Product at Yelp
More resources for restaurant owners
Yelp for Restaurants highlights industry-focused content for restaurant owners interested in sustainability. With the launch of new eco-friendly attributes in April 2022, Yelp also hosted a virtual Town Hall featuring the Sustainable Development Goal 2 Advocacy Hub.