Eatability: The Green Restaurant Network

The Eatability network provides a platform for environmentally-savvy eateries.   

We aim to be the focal point for improving restaurant sustainability in Cape Town.

 

Our work involves:

  1. Advising restaurants on how and why to operate more sustainably.
  2. Providing the public with information on which restaurants are part of the network, and why.
  3. Enhancing the market for local producers by their inclusion to the network.
  4. Introducing network members to relevant bodies, suppliers and information.

Sustainability. Responsibility. Eatability

Why is the network called ‘Eatability’?

 

When we were deciding on what we wanted to see restaurants thinking about, it became clear that it would be too narrow to think merely of 'green' restaurants.  We also feel strongly about providing the type of information that can allow patrons to focus on which items they relate to the most.

 

For example, buying local or seasonal foods has implications for quality, ethics and environmental sensibilities, whereas recycling would be environmentally based. Maybe you're not too fussed about recycling, but think local food is lekker.

 

So, what we ended up looking at was ‘Food with Integrity’ or food with ‘Eatability’.

 

What does Eatability do?

 

Eatability is dedicated to reducing the impacts of local food consumption by working with individual restaurants to promote better sourcing, waste management, and conserving energy & water. We recognise that it is often hard for smaller businesses to research their impacts, and so offer advice, support and the opportunity for restaurant owners to get together and share information.

 

Eatability will provide these services:

 

1.      Advise member restaurants on how to make their business more savvy with regard to:

a.      Food

b.      Conserving energy and water

c.      Minimising waste

2.      Advertise those members who are ‘doing their bit’ to allow patrons to support them.

3.      Create a platform for local producers, suppliers and charities to connect with restaurants through regular events.

4.      Encourage restaurants to connect patrons with their food through reporting the story behind the food.

 

and what it doesn’t……

 

Rome wasn’t built in a day……and not everyone likes to live in Rome.

 

Not all restaurants are built equally. Eatability doesn’t want to be stifling any creative flair or personality by putting all restaurants in the same box. We advise restaurants on an individual basis rather than preaching, and consequently, communicate the areas where we think they’re doing a great job.  We think the road to sustainability should have some personality.

 

We're also not expecting miracles over-night, so we'll be working on a case-by-case basis to develop an action plan that puts a restaurant on the right road. And since getting there can only be acheived through a desire to change, restaurants must choose where they want to go. In turn, we'll provide public information on what great things member restaurants are doing.

 

Why a network?

 

Just as no man is an island, restaurants are a complex balance between customers, suppliers and themselves. The Eatability network includes all three stakeholders to:

  • Ease the progression to sustainability through network connections
  • Learn from one another
  • Allow consumers to support participants

 

The network therefore provides a highly relevant and focused service to all its members.

 

Why join the network?

 

For more reasons to join the network, click here.