Sustainability, zero waste and Glas targets
As sustainability continues to grow in importance, we at Glas Restaurant in Dublin city
centre are putting sustainable practices and zero waste front and centre
Being as sustainable as possible has to be the number one priority for all businesses – food
and otherwise – as climate change and waste continue to grow as huge problems with far-
reaching consequences.
Glas Restaurant is already leading the way in trying to source as much local and seasonal
produce as possible in the kitchen from local Irish food producers. But now Glas Head Chef
Malte Half is now pushing the restaurant towards a more sustainable future with zero waste
firmly in his sights.
We sat down with Malte for a chat about these goals and why he feels they are so important.
Why is sustainability so important?
It is just crucial for the planet that we all try be as sustainable as possible. There really isn’t a
choice any more; it’s a must.
How can food businesses in general improve what they are doing?
All food businesses must strive to use everything they purchase and minimise waste. This
means buying local, using renewable energy and recycling and reusing whenever and
wherever possible.
What is Glas Restaurant, a leading Irish vegan restaurant, doing to improve
sustainability?
It’s more what we don’t do! Being a plant-based Irish restaurant, we obviously are not using
meat or fish and are working with as many organic vegetable suppliers as possible. This cuts
down on waste and allows us to be more sustainable.
What does ‘zero waste’ actually mean?
It means minimising waste wherever and whenever we see it and thinking of ways to recycle
and reuse all the time. It takes time and effort to do this but it is incumbent on every single
one of us to do this!
Is it achievable?
It really is, but society does make it very difficult. Governments need to act further to put
procedures and taxes in place to avoid and penalise unsustainable practices. That has to be
done across the board in all industries.
How is Ireland doing at sustainability? Is it better in other countries?
I’m afraid Ireland – as a whole – is not doing well. We have one of the highest levels of
greenhouse gas emissions per capita in the EU – which is due to animal farming,
transportation and other factors. These issues need to be tackled.
What are Glas’s targets as regards sustainability and zero waste
Well, in a way, they might be more my goals than targets! It’s hard and there’s a lot to focus
on including using mostly organic produce, locally sourced if possible; cutting out paper
waste, plastic waste, food waste; going fully plant-based eventually; being educational but
without being preachy!
Do you think it should be mandatory for food businesses to target zero waste?
Definitely, no question!
How would sustainability and zero waste work in a perfect world?
We are all equals in pretty much everything, no more poverty. We live and let live without
having a negative effect on life and the planet and make our future is secure. We stop
overconsumption and eliminate waste.
In your personal life, how do you try to live sustainably?
I follow a plant-based diet, I don’t drink or smoke and we have cut out food waste as much as
possible. We also used as much alternative energy as possible
In general, how should all humans try to live more sustainably?
We need to stop destroying the planet and each other, directly and indirectly!