Eco-friendly Catering: Offering Guests a Sustainable Culinary Experience

When it comes to event planning, we know the devil is in the details. To deliver an end-to-end memorable experience, everything from choosing the right location, finding an attractive venue, selecting appetising menus, building engaging content, and offering unique touchpoints, are all critical considerations.

There is no doubt that sustainability is also now becoming a key success factor in event planning and performance.

Enter sustainable catering—an approach that goes beyond great food to make a real difference to our natural world. And here’s why it matters. 

Food waste is a massive problem, not just financially but environmentally too. A third of all food produced is wasted. That’s not just the food itself but also the energy, water, and fuel used to grow and produce it. When that wasted food ends up in landfills, it decomposes and releases methane, a greenhouse gas that is more harmful than CO2.

Added to that, the animal agriculture industry, particularly cattle farming, is a big part of the problem, producing 59% of CO2 emissions. In fact, emissions from beef production are 60 times more damaging than regular CO2 emissions. 

And yet, in the events industry, up to 10% of all food produced is wasted, often including high-value items like beef. This is where event venues can make a real difference; by incorporating sustainability into every aspect of your catering choices—from sourcing to waste management—you can turn the tide on food waste and its impact on the planet. It’s about making conscious decisions that do good and feel good.

Why sustainable catering?

Sustainability isn’t a trend; it’s non-negotiable. Your guests are more eco-conscious than ever. Eighty-nine percent of GBTA survey respondents identified sustainability as a priority. They’re looking for brands that care about our planet, and that’s where you come in. Choosing sustainable catering shows you’re not only up-to-standard but also forward-thinking. It’s an opportunity to stand out, to say, “we care,” and to make a positive impact while hosting events people will remember.

Benefits of green catering

1. Fighting climate change, one plate at a time

Every decision counts, especially when it comes to food. Choosing sustainable catering reduces waste, energy consumption, and carbon emissions. Think of it as your small but mighty contribution to our planet’s health because even a minor change can make a major difference over time.

2. Walk the talk on social responsibility

Today’s attendees are smarter and more demanding than ever. They care about what brands stand for. By choosing eco-friendly catering products, you’re not just feeding people, you’re also feeding their values. This can boost your brand image, win over eco-conscious clients and strengthen loyalty.

3. Cost savings without sacrificing quality

Sustainable doesn’t have to be expensive. Planning menus around seasonal produce, reducing waste, and using energy-efficient appliances can save you money. All you have to do is make smarter, sustainable choices while still delivering hearty food.

4. Healthier, fresher food

With sustainable catering, you’re not just making an environmentally friendly choice but a healthy one too. Fresh, natural ingredients with fewer preservatives and additives means better-tasting food. It’s a win-win for you and your guests.

Check out these tips on how to make sustainable catering choices

1. Ditch single-use serve ware

Avoid the use of disposable plates, cups, and cutlery. Instead, opt for reusable or compostable alternatives made from bamboo, sugarcane, or polylactic acid (PLA). These are both sustainable and biodegradable. Want something more traditional? Select  stainless steel or silver – they last longer and look classier. Simple changes like these can make a big impact on reducing waste.

2. Go local and organic

Request locally-sourced products in your menu choices. Local doesn’t just mean fresher produce; it also means a smaller carbon footprint. Local produce doesn’t have to travel far, reducing transportation emissions. Plus, it’s often picked at its peak, so it’s fresher and tastier. And by choosing organic, you avoid harmful pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, which are better for the soil, water, and ultimately for your guests.

3. Reduce animal products

You don’t have to go vegan but reducing the amount of meat and dairy ingredients can make a big impact. Animal agriculture causes habitat loss, rainforest destruction and water shortages. Offering more plant-based alternatives shows you care about the environment — and your guests will notice and appreciate this.

4. Go plant-based

Plant-based doesn’t have to be boring. Think beyond salads. Imagine a menu featuring spicy lentil curries, roasted veggie platters, or decadent chocolate desserts made from avocados. These dishes are not only eco-friendly but delicious and exciting. Plus, they use less water, land, and energy than meat-based meals, thus reducing your event’s overall carbon footprint.

5. Go sustainable seafood

If seafood is on the menu, make sure it’s sustainably sourced. Look for certifications like the Marine Stewardship Council to ensure it is responsibly harvested. And if you can, choose local options to reduce carbon emissions from transportation. Your guests will love the fresh taste, and you’ll feel good knowing you’re supporting local businesses and sustainable practices.

6. Reduce food waste

Food waste is a big problem at events, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by accurately estimating guest numbers to avoid over-preparing. Go for buffet-style servings where guests can choose what and how much they want to eat, reducing waste. And if there is leftover food, consider donating it to local food banks or shelters—many will even pick it up from your venue.

Make every bite count

Event planning and menu choices can shape not only the guest experience but also the world around us. By embracing venues that offer sustainable catering, you’re not just delivering a meal; you’re delivering a message—one that says your brand cares about more than just profits. It’s about creating events that people will talk about for all the right reasons.

And if you want to take that sustainability commitment a step further, why not start with the right venue? With Venue Directory, you can source sustainable event spaces worldwide. With 378,845 unique meeting spaces in 310 cities, it's never been easier to find a venue that aligns with green goals. Make your next event sustainable from the ground up—and let every detail reflect your commitment to the planet.