The Importance of Operating a Sustainable Catering Business

Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of articles that will look at the relationship between sustainability and catering.

Sustainability is perhaps the most important issue of our time. Any diminishment of sustainability affects virtually the entire human population of the world,
as well as the flora and fauna with which we share our world.

One common definition of sustainability is “Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Another forward-looking perspective is that all earthbound resources are ultimately finite, so we need to act as stewards for the earth to make sure that we don’t leave a damaged planet for our children and grandchildren. This is the reason that conservation of resources is so important.

Considering climate change

The impacts of diminished resources as a result of climate change may vary, and as residents of the world’s wealthiest country, we are insulated to some degree. But even here in North America the costs are beginning to mount.

Climate change is real and happening in front of our eyes. As I write these words in mid-January, today’s temperature is slightly more than 30 degrees above the historic temperature for this date in the mountain area where I spend most weekends. According to today’s ski report, we are seeing spring skiing conditions in the depths of winter. In the news last week, it was announced that according to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), 2023 was the warmest year since global records began to be kept in 1850.

Climate change represents a risk to our industry as well as the planet. There is a mix of costs and benefits as the planet warms; for instance, some areas of the world that formerly were not usable for agriculture may become viable as the world warms. Also, some types of agricultural products may benefit from the changing climate. But overall, the risks substantially outweigh the rewards, as the steep increase in costs of food that has been exacerbated recently by climate change has proven. As severe droughts become more common, glaciers melt and sea levels rise, many people in both rich and poor countries may become climate refugees.

The effects of agriculture

So where does the catering industry fit into the sustainability equation?

Agriculture is a major contributor to climate change, and therefore has a substantial negative impact on sustainability. Between clearing land for farming and farming itself, agriculture generates 21% of all greenhouse gas emissions—substantially more than all transportation worldwide.

Of course, everyone needs to be fed. But not all agriculture outputs become food for humans, which is part of the problem. Even within the range of agricultural outputs going directly to feed people, some food choices have a much more negative impact than others. Decisions that we as an industry make and offer our clients and guests can help mitigate these downsides.

Another perspective on the impact of the foodservice industry is that foodservice in the United States has rebounded and even surpassed its pre-pandemic level of revenue, hitting $1.16 trillion in 2023. The “catering by caterers” industry represents about 1.5% of that total, and catering by all providers represents about 5%. This is a significant amount of food, generating a substantial environmental impact.

Creating a more sustainable environment

So, how can we as caterers contribute to creating a more sustainable environment? 

It is self-evident that food is the primary (though not sole) product that caterers sell. And because most caterers sell food every day, and sometimes in very large quantities, we can and should help make a positive difference.

There are four major factors to be considered regarding the impact of the catering industry on sustainability.

In the upcoming articles in this series, we will delve into these considerations in greater detail.