Previously, sustainability was a buzzword. Every organization in the world talked about it and claimed that it had revamped its processes to become sustainable. Today, instead of a buzzword, it has become a necessity. Our world is in a perilous state. Climate change and inequitable use of resources have put it on the brink of irreparable damage.
Resultantly, businesses, governments, and individuals are now taking sustainability a lot more seriously than before. They realize that it will be too late to save the planet if they do not act now. Businesses are not just looking at their operations. Instead, most businesses require their suppliers to make sure that they engage in sustainable practices.
For example, Apple has a Suppliers Code of Conduct which it applies vigorously to all its suppliers. One of the most notable aspects of the Code is sustainability. Apple requires and recommends that suppliers engage in sustainable practices in areas in which they operate. The Code requires that suppliers must have a sustainability representative.
But enough about other businesses. Let us focus on restaurants.
Restaurants and Sustainability
Sustainability is a significant challenge in the food industry. A considerable amount of food is wasted and thrown out by restaurants and hotels. It adds to the worsening pollution challenges, but food wastage is a significant cause of world hunger. Nearly one-third to one-half of all food produced is wasted. Despite this alarming statistic, there is good news. Several restaurants are implementing sustainable practices. We will talk about them now.
Most Sustainable Restaurants in the World
Let us start with our list.
1- Dhow Cruise
If you ever visited Dubai, the chances are that you already know about the Dhow cruise. Dhows are traditional vessels that you will come across in the UAE. You can have dinner on them while enjoying the scenic beauty. You can find dhows in places like Diera creek or the Marina. Irrespective of the location, you will enjoy the whole experience. What makes them sustainable?
The UAE is highly committed to sustainability. It expects the same from its people and businesses. The food industry is highly regulated, and the regulator ensures that the Dhow dinner cruise meets all sustainability requirements. Apart from this, Dubai sees a lot of foreign visitors. As consumers are now conscious of their choices and their impact on the planet, they opt for sustainable businesses. As a result, dhow cruise dinners have to reinvent their processes. They make sure that all suppliers are engaging in sustainable practices. Lastly, they are continuously committed to reducing their impact on the environment.
2- Silo, London
Indeed, it is, without a doubt, one of the most eco-friendly and sustainable restaurants anywhere in the world. There is zero wastage as nearly everything is used in one way or the other. The owner calls Silo a restaurant without a bin. It means that no bin is needed because there is no wastage. Instead of relying on branded products, the restaurant buys all products from local farmers, thereby playing a vital role in improving the local economy. Any leftover food products are composted using the on-site aerobic digester. To make sure that there is plenty of food for everyone, the menu changes every day. The owner claims that cooking the same dishes will put pressure on the farmers to increase their yield. It will lead to unsustainable farming practices, which Silo vehemently discourages.
3- Schloss Schauenstein, Switzerland
The second one on the list is the Schloss, a proud recipient of the Sustainable Restaurant Award in 2019. Unsurprisingly, it is also a three-star Michelin restaurant. What is the owner doing to make it sustainable? Well, much of the produce comes from the grounds where the restaurant is located. Other products come from organic farmers in the area. All product packaging is reusable. Lastly, Schloss uses renewable energy.
4- Mirazur, France
It is on the top of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants List in 2019. All products come from the establishment’s gardens and surrounding areas. Other items come from the local fishermen and farmers. You might be thinking that the restaurant provides a limited choice. Well, that’s not the case. Mirazur is well-known for its variety and offers of exquisite cuisines.
5- Saint Peter, Sydney
If you are looking for a sustainable restaurant specializing in seafood, you have your answer in Saint Peter. The owner is a sustainable seafood advocate. More than 50% of the fish is consumed in different dishes than almost 50% in most restaurants worldwide. All spices and other products are locally sourced and are caught in the wild. All dishes are cooked in a way that minimizes wastage.
