Sustainable Gastronomy Day
Gastronomy can definitely be sustainable!
Every year on 18 June, we celebrate Sustainable Gastronomy Dar. Back in 2016, the United Nations (UN), UNESCO, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) worked together to facilitate its observance. This day is all about raising awareness for the impact of food choices. With this initiative, the UN tries to stimulate the food and beverage industry to implement more sustainable practices.
Why Is Sustainable Gastronomy Important?
Sustainable Gastronomy Day was established by the UN to help reach the Sustainable Development Goals, but that is not the only reason why it’s important!
- Environment: local and seasonal produce is a lot better for the environment than important and exotics products are. If you want to keep your ecological footprint small, choose the former.
- Supporting local farmers and producers: short food chains result in honest prices and increased transparency about the origin of products.
- Increasing biodiversity: many animal species and habitats are impacted by the food industry, making conscious choices in gastronomy helps protect them, by stopping overfishing, deforestation and the depletion of farm land for example.
How Can Restaurants Contribute?
Restaurants can definitely contribute to the sustainability of gastronomy, and many of them already do!
- Using local and seasonal ingredients.
- Focusing on plant-based meals, using less meat and dairy products.
- Smaller portions to avoid wasting food.
- Using sustainable methods in the kitchen.
Some of our favourite spots that already do their part are Humm, Glou Glou, Essen, and Graanmarkt 13. But they are not the only ones, so definitely take a look at our other restaurants!
