Home to the biggest cafe culture outside of Europe, Australia's eateries come with a sizeable carbon footprint. Here are simples signs to look out for when trying to eat or drink more sustainably
While many Australian venues encourage customers to bring their own reusable cups, one Melbourne cafe has done away with takeaway completely.While many Australian venues encourage customers to bring their own reusable cups, one Melbourne cafe has done away with takeaway completely.
Home to the biggest cafe culture outside of Europe, Australia's eateries come with a sizeable carbon footprint - but there are ways to drink or eat out more sustainably. It comes with a sizeable carbon and waste footprint as a result of factors such as supply chains, food and packaging.found that almost twice the amount of greenhouse gases are released in transporting fruit and vegetables compared with their actual production. For many in the industry, quality is synonymous with environmentally friendly practices. Some cafes and restaurants make it part of their identity, by serving organic or vegetarian fare, or through local or ethical sourcing.Alex Giannakis from Natoora, a company whose mission is to connect restaurants and cafes with local produce, says "seasonality and transparency are markers of a sustainably minded venue".but should also feel comfortable to simply ask their server. While it may seem silly to ask after the provenance of a pea, any venue that is invested in serving a quality product will proudly share a tomato's tale or the source of their snapper. Seasonal and local sourcing cuts the environmental cost of transportation and storage associated with out-of-season or foreign produce. Tom Campbell, a chef at Thelma in the Adelaide Hills, is skilfully nimble with produce. He looks for what is available seasonally, making his menu a dynamic entity that sees sweet red peppers with sardines in autumn make way for the crunch of puntarelle in winter. "To me, it doesn't make sense to eat produce from a far away place, or grown in a completely controlled environment just so you can have them when they're out of season," he says. "It's all about supporting the smaller producers close to us, doing things in the right way and working with them to create a more sustainable future." A menu should ideally be small. The hospitality industry is one of Australia's biggest culprits when it comes to food waste, making up roughlyLook for local, seasonal and minimal meat Sustainability, of course, is inextricably linked with the produce that is served. Venues that use local suppliers are reducing the carbon footprint involved in getting the food from the farm and on to your plate.That's not to say meat can't be served. A sustainably minded venue that serves meat might, for example, source from local, organic producers and use unconventional cuts to reduce waste. Many will either note their sourcing on the menu or happily discuss it with diners.Finally, how a cafe or restaurant approaches the practicalities of serving people can be a red or green flag. Easy things to look out for include the use of tap water, cloth napkins and minimal single-use or disposable items. While many venues now encourage their customers to bring their own reusable cups, places like Napier Quarter in Melbourne have done away with takeaway completely. Instead, drawing inspiration from the Italian tradition of a quick espresso at the counter, the Fitzroy coffee and wine bar encourages customers to pause for a moment, by making a coffee at the bar cheaper than if you sit down. While a risk, it's one owner Daniel Lewis is happy to make. "We're not perfect, we're not pioneers, but when we see small opportunities where we can have an impact or lead by example, we take them," he says. Luckily, in Australia we enjoy a thriving hospitality culture, including many passionate chefs and venue owners who are sustainably minded. Remembering to stay local and focus on venues with small, seasonal menus will ensure not only an environmentally friendly feast, but one bursting with flavour.Crocodile made famous by Steve Irwin 'wrongfully arrested' and should be returned to wild, traditional owners sayBaby numbats spotted at two wildlife sanctuaries in hopeful sign for one of Australia's rarest marsupialsMelbourne's skyscraper falcon chicks set for first flight as livestream audience becomes 'permanent watch parties''From reef to retail': experts warn global marine aquarium fish trade relies heavily on wild populations
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The drug dealers, their mother and the Sydney drive-by shootingsRaptor Squad officers have made an arrest after an inner west home was peppered with bullets.
Read more "
The device that could detect an asthma attack from home in only five minutesLast year, 467 people died from asthma attacks.
Read more "
Laundry Basket Battle: A Couple's Dispute Over Dirty Clothes and Home AestheticsA newly-moved-in couple, Anita and Jayden, clash over the necessity of a laundry basket. Anita wants it gone, while Jayden defends its practicality, leading to a discussion about laundry habits, hygiene, and the aesthetics of their shared living space.
Read more "
English man raffles house to Americans seeking 'safe haven' from TrumpTristram Biggs hopes Americans 'terrified' of political situation will buy $10 tickets for $1m home
Read more "
Europe Commission President Ursula von der Leyen survives no-confidence votesThe European Commission president has faced criticism from the left and right after striking a tariff deal with the United States.
Read more "
The great rivers of central Europe: A beginner's guide to stress-free sightseeingSeeing Europe aboard a river cruise with Viking offers a more peaceful way to take in great mountain ranges, castles and vineyards without wrestling heavy suitcases onto public transport.
Read more "