What is sustainable and environmentally friendly catering?
Sustainability and concern for the environment have become central to virtually every aspect of our lives. From the way we travel to the way we consume food, we are increasingly aware of our impact on the planet. In this context, sustainable and eco-friendly catering has gained popularity as a responsible and ethical way to provide food services at events.
A sustainable and ecological catering is one that seeks to minimize its environmental and social footprint at all stages of its operation. This involves adopting practices that reduce food waste, promote local and organic agriculture, use recyclable packaging and utensils, and minimize energy and water consumption. In addition, sustainable catering also addresses ethical aspects such as worker welfare and fairness in the supply chain.
How to make a sustainable catering
Creating a sustainable catering business involves careful planning and a real commitment to sustainability in all its forms. Here are some guidelines to help guide those who want to adopt more sustainable practices in their catering business:
Select local and seasonal ingredients: Use fresh produce that is grown or produced in the region and available in the right season. This not only reduces the carbon footprint by minimizing food transportation, but also supports local farmers.
Opt for organic options: Give preference to organic ingredients whenever possible. Organic agriculture promotessustainable farming practices and minimizes the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers.
Reduce food waste: Carefully plan quantities of food to prepare and donate surplus to local charities instead of throwing it away. Also consider offering smaller portion options to avoid waste.
Use sustainable packaging and utensils:
In this sense, in Artigot Catering we commit ourselves in this way:
- Whenever possible, we serve food in edible carriers.
- We use long-lasting tableware: slates, wooden, metallic, glass boards ....
- We do not use plastic at events
- When disposable material is used, it is compostable and biodegradable, including cups, cutlery and plates.
Energy and water savings: Use energy- and water-efficient cooking equipment, and turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Consider using renewable energy in your operation.
Promote diversity and fairness: Foster an inclusive and fair work environment for all your employees. Also, look for suppliers who share these values in your supply chain.
How to implement more sustainable catering
Implementing sustainable catering is not something that happens overnight, but with commitment and effort, it is possible to make a positive impact on the environment and the community. Here are some practical steps to get you started:
Initial assessment: Conduct a thorough review of your current operation to identify areas where more sustainable practices can be implemented. This may include an evaluation of your suppliers, food preparation methods and waste management.
Staff training: Train your employees on the sustainable practices you want to implement. The awareness and commitment of your team is key to the success of any sustainability initiative.
Collaboration with sustainable suppliers: Seek out suppliers that share your vision of sustainability and establish strong relationships with them. This will ensure a steady supply of sustainable ingredients and products.
We would especially like to talk to you about a water supplier we have in Artigot, admirable for its social and environmental commitment: AUARA.
Apart from the fact that the company's profits are invested in projects for access to drinking water, sanitation and agriculture in underdeveloped countries, they have a bottle with a unique design and sustainability: the first PET bottle in Europe made from 100% recycled and 100% recyclable bottles, which has saved 700,000 liters of oil to date.
AUARA is much more than water, they themselves say that they are the result of when one day you decided to recycle.
And make no mistake, because brick containers present significant difficulties of recyclability because they have up to 6 layers of cardboard, plastic and aluminum glued together that are very difficult to separate. And glass containers invest considerably more energy in their manufacture and, being heavier, have a much greater impact on the logistics process.
Transparent communication: Communicate your sustainability efforts to your customers and partners. Transparency about your sustainable practices can help you attract an environmentally conscious audience.
Since November 2020, Artigot Catering is adhered to the United Nations Global Compact, because of its interest in achieving Sustainable Development objectives in several areas, which make us improve as a company at a human and environmental level.
The objective of the Global Compact is to promote corporate sustainability through the implementation of 10 universal principles of conduct and action in the areas of human rights and business, labor standards, the environment and anti-corruption, in the strategy and daily operations of all types of entities and thus promote the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Continuous evolution: Sustainability is a constantly evolving process. Set long-term goals and periodically review your progress to identify areas for continuous improvement.
