Sustainable gastronomy - why it matters when you travel

When we travel, food is often one of the strongest memories we take home. A shared table,  local ingredients, dishes tied to landscape and season. Sustainable gastronomy ensures those moments are not only memorable, but also responsible.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, global food systems generate over one-third of greenhouse gas emissions, while nearly 30% of food produced worldwide is wasted. Travel and hospitality play a meaningful role in both the problem - and the solution.

What makes food sustainable?

Sustainable food is defined by how it is grown, sourced, prepared, and consumed. Key principles include:

• Seasonality and locality - food grown close to where it is eaten, in its natural season
• Low environmental impact - fewer emissions, healthy soils, responsible water use
• Ethical production - fair labor, transparent supply chains
• Respect for tradition - if and when possible, using time-tested techniques like fermentation, preservation, and whole-ingredient cooking

For travellers, this often translates into fresher flavours, deeper cultural connection, and a stronger sense of place.

Sustainable gastronomy in hotels and restaurants

Many restaurants and nature hotels increasingly design their kitchens around sustainability. Common practices include flexible menus built around local and seasonal ingredients, root-to-leaf and nose-to-tail cooking to minimise waste, composting and food-waste tracking, energy- and water-efficient kitchens.

Studies show professional kitchens can reduce food waste by 20–40% simply through better planning and measurement, without compromising quality. For guests, this might mean fewer choices on paper, but definitely better choices on the plate.

How travellers can eat more sustainably

Simple choices matter:

• Choose restaurants that highlight local sourcing
• Eat seasonally—what grows there, now
• Try more plant-forward dishes
• Avoid unnecessary food waste at buffets
• Ask questions about origin and preparation

These small actions collectively shape demand- and encourage better food systems globally. When we choose sustainable gastronomy while travelling, we also support local farmers and producers, help to preserve culinary heritage, and last but not least - get to experience destinations more authentically!