People are increasingly adopting more sustainable lifestyles.
Research by Deloitte shows Gen Z is leading the way, with 50% reporting to have reduced how much they buy and 45% have stopped purchasing from certain brands because of ethical or sustainability concerns.
With increasing pressure from the ‘sustainability generation’ and the worsening climate crisis, hospitality businesses need to prioritise sustainable and ethical practices.
In the UK, 75% of carbon emissions are from businesses, and hospitality is one of the biggest emitting sectors.
Research by WRAP revealed the hospitality sector produces 2.87 million tonnes of waste every year. 2.87 million tonnes!
Public awareness of the impact of food waste has on climate change is less common than other environmental factors, but global food waste produces more greenhouse gas emissions than all commercial flights. It’s essential that restaurant owners work with governments and NGOs to reduce the devastating impact.
A UK hospitality survey found that 83% of respondents expect hospitality brands to take part in sustainable practices. And 80% said that sustainability was a deciding factor when choosing where to go for food.
This statistic is likely to increase as awareness around climate change and its devastating impacts is also increasing, especially amongst Generation Z.
Sustainable restaurants are therefore not a ‘nice-to-have’, but a necessity for satisfying customers now and in the future.
As awareness around the climate crisis increases, many are considering how their work contributes to the environment.
If you run a sustainable restaurant with a strong social conscience, you might attract and retain more team members who align with your values. This gives your business a significant advantage during the current staffing shortage crisis.
Let’s take a look at more advantages of running a green restaurant.
The pandemic may have slowed down the sustainability momentum, but as restaurants rebuild their businesses, sustainability is back on the agenda. And the businesses that act now are the ones that will not only survive the current crises, but also thrive in the future.