Restaurant booking service Bookatable.co.uk in partnership with the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) polled over 1,000 consumers who regularly eat out, and has revealed that, in spite of great individual efforts at home, which includes many the vast majority recycling (97 per cent) and reusing plastic bags (95 per cent), most are not as sustainably conscious when they eat out.
The research, commissioned using Populus reveals the disparity between consumer attitudes towards sustainability when eating at home vs. eating out.
Restaurants responsible for making sustainable choices for guests
Although a third (32 per cent) of people who eat out regularly claimed they would feel guilty if they think that the meal they are enjoying comes at an environmental or social cost, a massive 92 per cent of people buy free range eggs to consume at home. This is reinforced with 72 per cent selecting free range meat or poultry, 82 percent choosing fruit and vegetables because they came into season and 41 per cent searching for ethical certificates when buying food.
Brits seem to assume that when dining out it is the responsibility of restaurants to make sustainable choices for them. But consumers also have a role to play. For example, by asking for a doggy box to take home, diners can ensure that they not only don’t waste a mouthful of their delicious meal, but can help to reduce the estimated £2.5 billion of food wastage every year generated by the hospitality industry.
The research shows that an appetite for sustainable dining experiences exists, but is not yet being fully realised. Over half (58 per cent) of diners claim they would feel good about their decision when visiting a restaurant that had a positive impact on society and the environment, with three-quarters (78 per cent) claiming they would be willing to pay more for food they knew was of higher quality.
Sustainable Restaurant Guide
In an effort to encourage consumers to act and highlight the sustainable restaurant options available, Bookatable has worked with the Sustainable Restaurant Association to create a sustainable restaurant guide, informing consumers on what a sustainable dining experience actually entails. With over 1000 sustainable restaurants to choose from, socially and environmentally conscious diners can discover and book sustainable options with ease.
The benefits for both consumers and restaurants
Joe Steele, CEO of Bookatable, comments: “Our conscience of sustainability shouldn’t begin and end in our own kitchens. The key issues for progress are consumer interest and awareness; diners have the power to drive change in the restaurant industry by expecting more and actively pursuing sustainable options. Some restaurants have already made huge progress in the areas of sustainability, but there is more work to be done. By partnering with the SRA and highlighting the issue we hope to educate consumers about the options which are open to them, creating a hub for discovering and booking environmentally guilt-free gastro experiences. And in turn showing restaurateurs not only the demand for, but the many benefits of sustainable policies.”
About Bookatable
Bookatable provides an unrivalled service for both consumers and restaurants. For consumers, Bookatable is the go-to site for diners. Whether it’s inspiring, browsing, booking or dining, Bookatable creates memorable experiences and diners with the opportunity to book amazing restaurants, wherever they are, whatever the occasion.
For restaurants, Bookatable is the indispensable partner of the industry, helping to fill restaurants with diners at the right times and manage those diners to deliver the best possible service. From high-street favourites, to local eateries or the finest Michelin-starred restaurants, Bookatable helps all types of restaurant.
For more information about Bookatable click here
About The Sustainable Restaurant Association
The Sustainable Restaurant Association’s (SRA) Rating is regarded as the Michelin Stars of Sustainability. It recognises the most sustainable restaurants in the UK and across the world, and gives diners a simple means of finding places to eat in that match their values. As the leading authority on sustainability across the hospitality and food service sector, the SRA also provides expert advice to restaurants, pubs, hotels, cafés and caterers.
For more information about The Sustainable Restaurant Association click here