The Comprehensive Guide to Sustainable Products

Despite being sentient creatures, billions of animals are raised in crowded, inhuman factory farms. Due to its intensive nature, antibiotics are often used as part of the routine. Waste from such farms, when not treated properly, can also impact the surrounding landscape and communities. The conditions in many intensive farms can also harm the workers’ well-being. Breeds that are used for intensive farming grow faster and in the case of chickens mean their bones are weaker and can break easily. This also means more wasted animals that can’t be used for their meat.

Animals are able to display their natural behaviour which results in reduced stress. In fact, when animals are free to move their muscles naturally, better quality meat is produced. Animals that are slaughtered in stress-free conditions have better taste and texture. Eggs from hens raised outdoors have less chance of contamination by salmonella, which can cause food poisoning.

Many farmers do not receive a fair price for what they produce. Ethical trading ensures that farmers receive a fair price for what they produce. Workers receive a living wage, have the right to collective bargaining and work in safe conditions. A part of the premium is reinvested into improving the quality of the crop – production is more efficient, and trees are healthier for example. You can therefore have a direct impact on the taste of the produce such as coffee, chocolate and tea.

As humans our mental well-being is better when we are part of an environment that has a healthy and balanced biodiversity. Sadly, activities such as deforestation, agricultural intensification and climate change have lead to a decline in biodiversity. This means a massive loss of species over a relatively short period of time.

Around 1 million animal species are threatened with extinction – more than ever before in human history. This goes hand in hand with wildlife population declines, habitat loss, and depletion of the natural resources that we depend on for our livelihoods and economic development. We must rethink how we are using natural resources, ease the pressure, and allow ecosystems to recover. Furthermore, food crops and animals that lack biodiversity are more prone to diseases and require a higher use of medicines.

Carbon emissions contribute to climate change. And climate change is already having a serious negative impact on wildlife, freshwater, oceans, and the economy in various areas on the planet. If we can significantly reduce carbon emissions, we have a good chance to avoid a climate crisis. Emissions also cost producers money, for example, the fuel used to power farm equipment. This cost will eventually be passed onto buyers of that produce.

Freshwater is a scarce resource, and it is becoming more and more polluted and depleted in many areas, for example, rivers that run dry and wildlife that is endangered because of contaminated water. If we can avoid depleting this precious resource, we can avoid conflicts and the risk of consuming polluted water in both our water and food supplies.

Buying local is a responsible act that creates a sense of proximity, or closeness, in your menu and with your customers. It means you can put money back into your community and region, giving the producers financial stability. Depending on the product it may also mean a reduced carbon footprint due to fewer food miles or the distance it has travelled. And in some cases, it cuts down on wasteful packaging. Additionally, it allows you to differentiate from your competitors which contributes to your positive brand image and reputation. This strengthens your local community and instils pride in local production. By creating a closer connection to how food is produced, you can establish an identity with the region which helps to win loyal customers.

Naturally, some products will not be available in all localities, for example, mangoes in Germany. Although, when produce is available locally it should be prioritized wherever it makes sense.

About one-third of all the food produced in the world goes to waste. When we waste food, we also waste all the energy and water it takes to grow, harvest, transport, and package it. That´s why about 11 per cent of all the greenhouse gas emissions that come from the food system could be reduced if we stop wasting food.

We are what we eat! Nutritious food keeps us healthy, and ensures infants and children develop properly. Generally speaking, we want to avoid malnutrition, which causes both undernutrition and obesity with associated diseases like diabetes. A healthy person functions properly, has a strong immune system, is likely to have safer pregnancies and childbirth, lower risk of diseases and will live longer.

There are several advantages when you buy organic products. For example, organic farming means a reduced impact on the environment and better treatment of animals. Organic farms tend to have a greater diversity of wildlife such as butterflies and are better for biodiversity. In some instances, the organic product is better than the conventional alternative, for example, meat from grass-fed cattle contains around 50% more omega-3 fatty acids than that from cattle fed non-organic feed. Eggs from hens raised organically have a fewer chance of contamination by bacteria that cause food poisoning.

The opposite of organic agriculture is intensive agriculture. This can cause soil erosion, chemical run-off into natural water systems and can mean some weeds and insects become resistant to herbicides and pesticides. Organic farming doesn’t rely on synthetic or petroleum-based pesticides or fertilizers.

When packaging is used unnecessarily and dispensed of in the wrong way it can cause harm to the environment. The production and disposal of conventional plastic and single-use packaging requires resources (for example fossil fuel) and has a negative impact on the environment - a truckload of plastic ends up in our oceans every minute. Other materials like cardboard and wood when not disposed of properly can also attract fines and waste collection costs.

Here are some examples of how long some products need to break down in a landfill:

Compostable packaging decomposes into natural elements which are rich in nutrients and good for the environment within a certain period of time. Home compostable packaging can compost at ambient temperature (20-30°C) within 52 weeks according to European standard EN 13432. This means that you can throw your packaging in your compostable bin with your fruit and vegetable peels.

Industrial compostable packaging needs to be collected and properly treated in a specific facility. It will completely break down within 12 weeks thanks to specific conditions (50-70°C) according to European standard EN 13432. If the waste is put into a recycling bin, it will contaminate the whole batch, making it impossible to be recycled and reused. In landfills or in in-home compost bins, it won’t biodegrade. And if it ends up in marine environments, it’ll function similarly to conventional plastic, breaking down into micro-sized pieces, lasting for decades, and presenting a danger to marine life.

One of the drivers of climate change is deforestation – the loss of natural forest and vegetation as a result of the conversion of forests to agriculture or urbanization. It is important not to cause deforestation because forests are one of the natural resources that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Forests also provide a natural habitat for many plant and animal species, helping maintain a healthy biodiversity that creates living space and livelihood for many people.

Overfishing and exploitation of fish stocks is a serious problem, and it is estimated that in some places 90% of fish stocks are either overfished or at maximum capacity. This impacts the livelihoods of people who rely on fishing and by extension there are adverse effects your ability to serve fish. By sourcing sustainable fish restaurateurs can help to preserve fish stocks for future generations. If we carry on fishing unsustainably there will be no fish left and what is left will be expensive. The traceability of products is a very important part of sourcing fish sustainably. A robust traceability system means that fish doesn’t come from illegal fishing, the exact catching area is known and the way it is produced is clear. If sustainability guidelines are followed, for both wild caught and farmed fish, the fishermen work in a safe environment and are compensated adequately. The environment is carefully managed and the local communities are supported.

ProTrace at METRO Germany

The arrival of new season produce generates a real excitement and expectation of tastes to come. You can demonstrate how in touch you are with your food sources by updating your menu according to the season. This includes several advantages. It is a good opportunity to market your business and attract new customers by bringing in fresh tastes. Seasonal foods can also be cheaper, and usually taste better. New season produce is fresher due to reduced time in storage and transport and you can actively support your local growers by sourcing from them in season.

Of course, some products will not be available in season, for example, strawberries in winter in Poland, but when produce is available in season, it should be prioritized wherever it makes sense. Check out the Seasonal Calendar for further information.