At a time when the environment and the economy are high on peoples’ agendas a revolutionary concept is set to save UK consumers a packet whilst helping to save the planet.
It certainly sounds too good to be true, however thanks to almost 200 UK restaurants it will become a reality on Monday, with the launch of Carbon Free Dining.
The restaurant trade is often tarred with the perception that its operational methods are less than ecologically friendly. True or not, mud sticks – and with the issue of ‘food miles’ just not going away, restaurants all over the UK have struggled to find a way to show their willingness to embrace green credentials – until now.
Carbon Free Dining is a win win win project from the Social Enterprise, Green Earth Appeal. The first win is for the planet because a tree is planted for each party of diners visiting participating restaurants, to offset the carbon associated with the production, transportation and preparation of the meal.
The next win is for restaurants that have the opportunity to demonstrate their corporate and social responsibility. The final win is for diners as they enjoy either a massive 50% discount on their food or 2 meals for the price of 1.
A further win, which Carbon Free Dining has not been promoting, is that the trees are planted by some of the poorest communities in the world. This not only creates work and jobs, but when a community has for example thirty thousand fruit trees it creates a sustainable source of food, removing the need for aid and handouts.
So what makes Carbon Free Dining different to the other green initiatives out there? Crucially, the mindset moves away from the perception that carbon reduction schemes involve some kind of personal denial, change in lifestyle or negative connotation.
Quite the opposite – for Carbon Free Dining celebrates the pleasure of dining out, enabling diners to continue to enjoy their favourite restaurants without having to mentally calculate food miles or train their palate to be purely satisfied with local produce.
This is highlighted in a quote by Mr Satinder Bindra, Director of Communications for United Nations Environment Programme describing ‘an outstanding initiative which successfully merges the luxury of eating out with the joy of knowing we are simultaneously giving something back to nourish our planet.’
With an estimated two thirds of consumers now having their purchasing habits influenced by the carbon rating and general ‘greenness’ of businesses, eating out can often be perceived by the public as just not ecologically sound. However the Green Earth Appeal, who operate Carbon Free Dining, have been successfully highlighting the benefits of embracing green practices to restaurants including the likes of the Grand Union chain and Novus leisure’s who own brands such as Tiger Tiger.
The way Carbon Free Dining works isn’t radical or new, it’s very similar to a “green” Taste London, Gourmet Society or Hi Life, but without the membership outlay. Diners simply visit www.carbonfreedining.com and search for a local restaurant.
Once they have decided which one the want to visit they send a premium rate (£1.50) text message to receive their discount voucher.
The diner then phones the restaurant and makes a booking using their discount voucher code. Depending on the number of diners in the party, typical savings are between £15 and £200.
The revenue from the premium rate text is used to plant a single tree in Asia, Africa or South America.
Restaurants joining the scheme not only have the comfort of knowing that these actions are in line with UNEP policy, but that it’s a scheme which provides a lasting, sustainable solution to environment change and world hunger – not just a short-term fundraising effort which does little to address the underlying issues.
Marvin Baker, Founder of Carbon Free Dining commented, “We’re absolutely thrilled to partner with so many prominent restaurants and help bring a positive change to dining out. £1.50 offsets the carbon footprint of the meal served, so consumers can enjoy their half price dining experience safe in the knowledge that they’re making a real difference to the environment.”
Information on UNEP tree planting partners can be found here
Carbon Free Dining is operated by The Green Earth Appeal (www.greenearthappeal.org)
Carbon Free Dining, in association with its planting partners, assists developing communities in Africa, Asia and Latin America, helping to supply trees which can be used for food sources and assist with reforestation programmes.
Through seed distribution and agroforestry training they are empowering local groups to restore tree cover, build long-term sustainable crops and preserve traditional environments and cultures. Additionally, reforestation helps assist in soil erosion control and returning the natural forestry balance to the environment.
For more information on the work of the Green Earth Appeal and Carbon Free Dining, please contact its Founder, Marvin Baker 07958 022011 or marvin@greenearthappeal.org