In Cheshire, a quiet revolution is unfolding on dinner plates and in business strategies. More people are turning towards sustainable eating, not just as a trend, but as a lifestyle choice. This blog explores why embracing this shift is vital for local businesses and how the Food for The Planet Pledge can be a game-changer.
Why More People are Choosing to Eat More Sustainably
The rise in sustainable eating is fueled by increased environmental awareness, the undeniable health benefits, and ethical considerations. In Cheshire, a growing segment of consumers are actively seeking out eateries and food suppliers who prioritize the planet. This shift is not just a fad; it’s an emerging market reality.
Sustainable food trends among 20 to 40-year-olds indicate a preference for locally sourced, organic, and plant-based options. This demographic values environmental responsibility and ethical practices. Retailers should adapt to these trends to meet consumer demands, enhance brand image, and contribute to global sustainability efforts.
In Price Waterhouse Coopers research in June 2023 that asked consumers how much above an average price they’d pay for a variety of different goods, such as locally produced food at a farmers’ market, products manufactured with a lower carbon footprint and custom-made, or bespoke, items. Overall, eight out of ten consumers say that they would pay more: more than four in ten say they’d pay up to 10% above average, one in ten say they would go up to 30%, and nearly 7% say they would pay even higher prices. Millennials and gen Z, who typically espouse social consciousness and environmental justice, were the most open to spending more for the sake of sustainability. So now is a great time to use this information in your business to gain an edge over the competition.
The Benefits of Sustainable Eating
Sustainable eating isn’t just good for the planet; it’s smart business too. Environmentally, it means a significant reduction in carbon footprint and more efficient use of resources. Economically, businesses that adapt to this trend tap into a burgeoning customer base. They also position themselves for potential long-term cost savings by adopting more sustainable practices.
What The Food for The Planet Pledge Is
The Food for The Planet Pledge is an initiative that encourages businesses to commit to sustainable food practices. It’s a statement to your customers that your business cares about the future of our planet and their health. By signing up, Cheshire businesses can lead the charge in making food consumption more planet-friendly.
Conclusion
The call for sustainable eating is getting louder in Cheshire and beyond. For businesses, signing the Food for The Planet Pledge isn’t just a moral choice; it’s a strategic move to attract a rapidly expanding customer base that cares deeply about the planet.
Food for the Planet is a national accreditation scheme that encourages businesses and community groups to pledge towards sustainable food practices. The overriding Sustainable Food Places project, brings together your local council, individual residents, businesses and community organisations. With the aim of improving our local food system whilst also reducing our community’s impact on the wider environment.
Eco Communities are working with Cheshire West Voluntary Action and Cheshire West and Chester Council to roll out the Food for the Planet project in the region. The Food for the Planet Pledge is a menu of commitments to choose from to ensure that the food you serve is freshly prepared, local, seasonal, and supports the local economy.
To start, you are asked to just select one mandatory commitment to start from:
- We have reduced the amount of meat and dairy served by at least 25%
- We source at least 25% of meat and dairy from higher welfare, more environmentally
You can then work with us to complete the remaining pledges which we ask you do by 2025. You might be doing some of this already, for example running a plant-based business, paying the Living Wage, or selling verifiably sustainable fish. If so, that’s great, you can count that on the form.
By taking the Planet Pledge, you will be joining a community of UK food businesses who are committed to serving meals that are better for people and nature.
We would love for you to show your support by adding the name of your organisation to the pledge – HERE. Don’t hesitate to drop me an email or contact me via social media if you would like to discuss the project or need any more information.
Sustainable Cheshire 