Can Conscious Dining Reduce your Footprint?
Australians have a growing appetite for more sustainable dining practices, but does it really make a difference?
When it comes to dining out, Australians have access to a global palate. The melting pot of cuisines available in our major cities is truly astonishing. Given our environmental concerns, however, this rich diversity of dishes is no longer satisfying us.
Our appetite for sustainable dining is growing and many restaurateurs are leaning into eco friendly practices. As such, they are appealing to new customers - particularly younger Australians - who say that ethically sourced and sustainable foods are influencing their dining choices. (1)
So, can dining choices really make a significant difference to your footprint? Here are some of the ways this could occur.
Farm-to-table restaurants
Nowadays sustainability has become a catch-all phrase, but what does it actually mean for diners? One definition is 'to meet the needs of present generations, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs'. (2)
This includes shorter food miles, locally grown in-season produce, less food waste, ethical food supply, reducing energy consumption, etc.
Farm-to-table restaurants have become increasingly popular in recent years and are often championed by chefs with a passion for sustainability and fresh local produce.
The ethos of dining on farm-fresh ingredients is attractive, but it is far from widespread due to a range of reasons, including financial viability. For most restaurants, using locally grown ingredients as often as possible is a more achievable target. How sustainable is your favourite hangout? Usually, this information will be readily available on restaurant menus, websites, and social posts. If not, be willing to ask the staff, “What farms do you buy from?” Or “Is this dish in season?” It could spark an interesting conversation at the very least.
Reducing food miles
Nowadays, most people are aware of 'food miles,' but this phrase only entered our vocabulary in the 1990s. It was coined to create awareness of the environmental impact caused by long-distance food transportation. Exotic fruits on the menu? Chances are that they have come a long way. Consciously choosing dishes with fewer food miles, and food that is in season is another great way to embrace sustainable dining.
Rescuing food and reducing waste
Here’s a sobering statistic from food rescue organisation, OzHarvest: Only 0.2% of Australia’s wasted food is currently being diverted from landfill. Every year, we waste 7.6 million tonnes of food, which is sufficient to feed everyone in Australia for six months.
Food waste is a complex issue, and it’s not insoluble. One way that restaurants are making a difference is by donating excess food to charities. According to OzHarvest, food rescue has the potential to be a much larger operation. The more food donations (and government funding to assist with distribution), the fewer Australians go hungry and less food wastage.
As you can see, there are many strands to sustainability and our dining choices is one of the mix. Australians love having a good time and dining out is one of life’s pleasures! If we explored some eco friendly possibilities and supported sustainable dining, we can begin to create a difference.
1. https://finefoodaustralia.com.au/foodservice-catering/ethics-on-the-menu-for-most-diners/
2. https://www.ecoleducasse.com/en/blog/sustainability-restaurants-and-why-it-matters