Food choices play a crucial role in making or breaking the carbon footprint of an event. Here are three ways to make your event catering...
Food choices play a crucial role in making or breaking the carbon footprint of an event. Here are three ways to make your event catering more sustainable:
Three Key Changes for Sustainable Catering
1. Choose Lower Carbon Meat Options
Meat production is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. That doesn’t mean you have to go completely vegetarian to be more sustainable. Choosing meats with a lower carbon footprint will reduce the environmental impact of your menu. The graph below shows the difference between different meats and their carbon footprints.
Poultry and pork have a much smaller carbon footprint than beef and lamb. If your event requires meat, consider prioritising chicken, turkey, or pork. Better yet, explore plant-based protein alternatives like lentils, chickpeas, and tofu. This will further cut emissions while offering delicious and satisfying meal options.
2. Avoid Chocolate, Coffee, and Cheese
Sadly, some of the most beloved food items are also some of the most environmentally harmful. Chocolate, coffee, and cheese have enormous carbon footprints. This is due to deforestation, high water usage, and methane emissions from dairy farming.
Chocolate production is a major driver of deforestation. Coffee farming also contributes to deforestation and requires significant amounts of water. Cheese, like beef, comes from dairy cows that produce methane—a potent greenhouse gas.
Instead, consider alternative treats and beverages. Herbal teas and locally roasted chicory coffee can replace traditional coffee. For desserts, fruit-based options or oat-milk-based sweets provide delicious, sustainable alternatives. Consider using cheese more sparingly or try plant-based versions. Cheese is excellent as a garnish rather than a main ingredient.
3. Food Miles Are Not Always the Biggest Concern
It’s a common misconception that local food is always the best choice for sustainable catering. Reducing food miles is important. However, the type of food you serve often has a bigger impact than how far it has travelled.
For example, shipping lentils from overseas can result in a lower carbon footprint than serving locally sourced beef. This is due to the lower production emissions of the lentils. Tropical fruits like bananas often need to travel great distances. However, their main method of transportation is by boat, which is relatively low in emissions. Meanwhile, locally grown food may require heated greenhouses which are much higher emitters.
Instead of focusing solely on food miles, look at the overall carbon footprint of ingredients. Prioritise plant-based foods where possible. Choose foods produced using sustainable agricultural practices and opt for seasonal produce.
Final Thoughts on Sustainable Catering
Sustainable event catering doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or variety. By making mindful choices, you can create a delicious, environmentally-friendly menu. You can do this by:
- Opting for lower-carbon meats,
- Avoiding high-impact foods like chocolate, coffee, and cheese, and
- Considering more than just food miles
Every change contributes to a healthier planet, proving that great events can also be green.
For support on providing sustainable catering for your event, call xxx or email xxx@xxx.com
