Sustainable Catering Ideas for an Eco-Friendly Freshers Week

As universities organise Freshers' Week 2024, the importance of sustainability cannot be overstated. Gen-Z, the cohort starting university, places a high value on eco-friendly practices and environmentally friendly choices. For university event organisers, this presents a fantastic opportunity to showcase a commitment to sustainability through thoughtful and innovative catering choices.

We've come up with three easy ways you can create an eco-friendly Freshers' Week that will resonate with environmentally-conscious students.

1. Book local suppliers to reduce carbon footprints

One of the most impactful ways to make your Freshers' Week catering sustainable is to book local food and drink suppliers. Sourcing food locally reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and, as a bonus, supports the University's local economy.

Benefits of booking local suppliers:

• Reduced emissions: Local suppliers mean shorter travel distances, which significantly cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions.

• Fresher produce: Many of our suppliers also source their ingredients locally, meaning it's often fresher and more nutritious, as it doesn't need lengthy storage or preservation.

• Community support: Supporting local businesses fosters a sense of community and helps boost the local economy.

Handily, we work with suppliers from all over the UK so wherever your University, we've got suppliers just down the road. Just tell us about your event and we'll match you with local suppliers to make your event as eco-friendly as possible.

2. Use eco-friendly packaging

Food packaging can have a significant environmental impact. We operate a no single-use plastic policy, and many of our suppliers are committed to using the most eco-friendly options out there.

Types of eco-friendly packaging:

• Compostable containers: Made from things like cornstarch or sugarcane, these containers break down naturally without harming the environment. We even have suppliers using containers made from uncooked pasta, so there are loads of options out there.

• Biodegradable Utensils: Switch to utensils made from bamboo or other biodegradable materials instead of single-use plastics.

• Reusable Options: Encourage the use of reusable plates, cups, and cutlery. You could even go as far as to provide incentives for students who bring their own.

• Waste Management Stations: Set up clearly labeled recycling and composting stations around the event area to encourage proper disposal.

3. Offer plant-based menu options

Plant-based diets are not only trending but also a sustainable choice for catering. Offering a variety of plant-based menu options can significantly reduce the environmental impact of your Freshers' Week events.

Environmental benefits of plant-based menus:

• Lower carbon footprint: Producing plant-based foods generally requires fewer resources and results in lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to animal-based foods.

• Reduced water usage: Plant-based foods typically consume less water during production.

• Less land degradation: Plant-based agriculture often requires less land, reducing deforestation and habitat destruction.
  

How to do plant-based options well:

• Menu diversity: Ensure a variety of delicious and nutritious plant-based dishes are available, catering to different tastes and dietary needs. We have suppliers serving vegan dirty burgers, fried 'chicken', spicy cauliflower wings, the list is endless. Booking plant-based doesn't have to be boring.

• Highlight the benefits: Use signage and promotional materials to highlight the environmental and health benefits of plant-based foods.

• Choose plant-based suppliers: Book suppliers specialising in plant-based cuisine to ensure high-quality and appealing options - eating vegan and veggie no longer has to mean being limited to just salads and vegetables!