Key Sustainable Catering Practices:
Measures can be taken by caterers and restaurants to reduce waste, making your event both easier to manage and more environmentally sustainable. When selecting a catering company be sure to inquire about their sustainable catering policy, environmental policy and green policy statements.
Local ingredients
Select a sustainable catering company who uses local ingredients as much as possible. Understanding that not all ingredients and components are produced locally, but also look at their efforts to craft menus and services that are taking full advantage of the great and wonderful resources provided by the local area. In addition to supporting the local economy, locally produced foods travel a shorter distance from farm to plate and use less fossil fuel, resulting in a fresher, more flavorful product.
Offer Recycling
Catering companies can recycle paper, plastics, metal and glass if it cannot be done at the event site. Be sure to ask about the refuse from your specific event. Just because something is “recyclable” doesn’t mean that it will actually be recycled from your event. Be specific!
Use Reusable Dishware
Food is served on durable dishware that is collected after the event, washed and re-used. Cloth napkins can also be used instead of paper napkins. The costs to use dishes, glasses, flatware and cloth napkins can be higher.
Offer Compostable Service Ware
Packaging and utensils that are biodegrade in an approved commercial composting facility. Ensure that these items are actually sent to commercial composting facilities. Be sure to ask where it is and verify the method of transportation.
Food Scrap Composting
Catering companies may elect to participate in food scrap composting depending upon local jurisdictions and whether composting for food scraps is available.
Serve Food Family-Style or Buffet Style
Catering companies can serve food in bulk, allowing individuals to serve themselves as opposed to packaging servings individually.
Avoid Individually Packaged Items
Choose to offer water, condiments, beverages, sides and other items without the use of individual packaging.
Offer Local and Organic Food Choices
Ask to see menu options that use organically grown, seasonal and locally grown and produced food.
Donate Food
A catering company can donates edible food scraps to a food receiving agency, charitable oranization or provides left-over food to staff.
Choosing Your Green Caterer
If you’re looking for a caterer, or are already working with one, ask if they can:
- Support locally-owned and/or minority/women-owned businesses.
- Prepare dishes with local and/or organic ingredients.
- Provide products that are certified as “fair-trade” (e.g. coffee).
- Provide reusable platters, tableware and/or serving dishes.
- Use an approved biodegradable alternative that will be composted, if reusable dishware isn’t available.
- Serve dishes “family style” to avoid individually packaged products (e.g. sandwich platters, large salad bowls).
- Provide on-site recycling of paper, plastics, metal, and glass.
- Collect food waste for composting.
- Donate unused foods to shelters or a food donation program.
Additional Sustainable Business Practices to Look For…
- Use renewable energy and/or energy efficient appliances.
- Use bio-fuel or energy efficient means of transportation.
- Partnerships with other “green” businesses.
- Waste Reduction and Recycling
From disposable plates to leftover food, catered events often create a lot of waste. In addition to services your caterer offers, these simple suggestions will help you reduce waste at your catered events, conferences and meetings.
- Make it easy to recycle – Place a recycling container next to every garbage can. Label the containers with prominent signs.
- Food Donation – If you have good-quality leftover food, it’s easy to donate to a charity. Your donation will help the many people who were not able to attend the event.
- Recognition – Let attendees know about your green choices. Advertise your use of sustainable food and your waste prevention activities on invitations, or ask your caterer to mention it on menu cards.
