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Writer's pictureRayki Goh, MSc

What is The Real Cost of Our Dinner and How to Change It?

Is the food industry genuinely prioritising sustainability, or is it merely responding to external pressures? How can proactive strategies and unified measurements drive transformative change?

What is the real cost of our dinner?

Dear Food People,

 

A sustainable food industry shouldn’t just be about an infinite cycle of producing and selling food products. A sustainable food system should also prioritize making sure that what we eat today doesn't harm the planet or make it harder for future generations to eat tomorrow. Amidst pressure from the younger generations, how can it be achieved with practical practices that are easy to implement yet inexpensive for food companies?

 

Historically, the food industry has dealt with environmental and sustainability challenges reactively, handling them as they come up, similar to constantly addressing operational issues. The focus has predominantly been on maintaining the immediate flow of day-to-day operations, ensuring food services are uninterrupted, and prioritizing the production of safe, quality food products. However, this approach is becoming increasingly insufficient in the face of escalating environmental crises.

 

As awareness and concern for environmental issues grow, both large and small food companies are finding themselves compelled to adopt a more forward-thinking and proactive stance. A significant part of this shift involves reevaluating the use of materials that have long been staples of the industry, such as single-use packaging, plastic carriers, and takeaway containers. These items, while convenient, contribute significantly to pollution and pose a long-term threat to our environment.

 

The traditional reactive model of simply dealing with problems as they arise is no longer tenable. Current environmental reporting highlights the urgency of not only reacting to issues but also preemptively addressing potential environmental impacts. An example of a step in the right direction is the move from plastic to paper fiber materials. However, this solution raises another critical question: how sustainable is it to increase our reliance on tree-based products to meet consumer demand?

 

This brings us to the crux of the matter: the need for a more sustainable approach that goes beyond just substituting one material for another. A key aspect of this approach involves scrutinizing the necessity of pre-packaging food products, particularly when it leads to predictable waste. For instance, if Company A's sales data indicates that it sold 1,000 units in the previous year, it would be imprudent and unsustainable for the company to produce significantly beyond this figure without a solid rationale. Such overproduction not only causes food waste but also contributes to the proliferation of unnecessary packaging.

A potential solution to this challenge is the adoption of a unified measurement system by regulatory bodies. This system would provide a standardized framework for assessing the sustainability of food production practices across the industry. By adopting a common standard, producers can be held accountable for their production volumes, ensuring that increases are justified and aligned with sustainable practices. This method is essentially about establishing a consistent and transparent metric for evaluating the environmental impact of food production, encompassing various factors such as ingredient procurement, water usage, and the impact on forestry.

 

Adopting such a unified measurement system would enable the industry to view its environmental impact holistically, facilitating smarter, more informed decisions that take into account the broader picture. A shift from a piecemeal, reactive approach to a more integrated, proactive strategy aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of food production. In doing so, the food industry can better align its operations with environmental objectives, contributing to a more sustainable and responsible global food system.

 

But it's not just up to the food companies to make a change. We, as consumers, also play a big role. Nowadays, more and more people are choosing to buy products that are good for the planet. And companies are taking notice. They're starting to rethink how they do business, from where they source their ingredients to how they package their products. Certifications like the Fair Trade and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) are becoming increasingly important as they demonstrate a company's commitment to sustainability.

 

For instance, FSC certification ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests, providing environmental, social, and economic benefits. Similarly, Fair Trade certification guarantees that the production process empowers workers, ends the poverty cycle, and sustains farmers, workers, and communities. It ensures fair distribution of wealth and fair treatment of independent producers. These certifications are not only a way for consumers to "vote with their wallets" by supporting ethical practices, but they also benefit businesses. Embracing sustainability can lead to cost savings, market differentiation, and a positive impact on the future.

 

Therefore, companies that proactively make sustainable choices are not only doing the right thing but also positioning themselves for long-term success. It's essential to recognize that these certifications set strict standards for various aspects of production, from environmental impact to worker welfare. By adhering to these standards, companies can gain the trust of consumers, who are increasingly seeking out products that align with their values. This trust can translate into increased sales and brand loyalty, ultimately benefiting the bottom line.

 

Additionally, as the demand for sustainable products continues to grow, businesses that hold these certifications will be better positioned to capitalize on this trend. Therefore, while obtaining and maintaining these certifications may require an initial investment, the long-term benefits for both the company and the planet are significant.

 

So, whether you're a food company or just someone who loves to eat, it's time to start thinking about the impact our food choices have on the world around us. Together, we can create a more sustainable food system that's good for people, animals, and the planet. And hey, if you have any insights or suggestions regarding how we can address environmental or food sustainability concerns, or if there's a specific topic, you'd like us to explore in our next issue, drop us a message at dearfoodpeople.com.

 

 

Further Reading:

  1. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). (n.d.). FSC certification, Forest For All Forever. Available at: https://us.fsc.org/en-us/certification

  2. 1 Hotels. (n.d.). Popular Sustainable Certifications to Know, So You Can Vote With Your Dollar | The Field Guide. Available at: https://www.1hotels.com/thefieldguide/popular-sustainable-certifications-know-so-you-can-vote-your-dollar

  3. Sustainable Jungle. (n.d.). 15 Sustainability Certifications Worth Knowing For More Conscious Consumption. Available at: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/certifications/sustainability-certifications/

  4. The Good Trade. (n.d.). Sustainability Certifications: What Do They Actually Mean? Available at: https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/sustainable-certifications-and-standards/

  5. Treehugger. (n.d.). Everything You Need to Know About Sustainable Certifications. Available at: https://www.treehugger.com/the-treehugger-guide-to-sustainable-certifications-5119483


 

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