Article contributed by Mike Berman, COO, Day & Nite/All Service
A June, 1984 column written by a college professor reading more like something you’d find in The Onion than The New York Times actually made a case for drunk driving. Marginalizing this as one person’s opinion from a different era would be mistaken as the transformation from loose impaired driving enforcement to the more sensible policies of today resulted from determined grassroots efforts. Just as a 1980’s groundswell of ordinary people and organizations successfully changed attitudes and laws about drunk driving, the 2020’s will determine our planet’s climate future.
On every topic Engagious always provides the most accurate research and most prescient insights, their recent swing voter climate change focus group no exception. Coming on the heels of the horrifying sixth United Nations IPCC report, climate change apathy or denial poses far greater risks than even highways dominated by drunk drivers. Having become an immediately large and real crisis, reversing climate trends is no longer a matter of communication and education, it requires swift, sincere, significant, sustainable business practices action. As an industry or individuals, there are no groups better equipped than the foodservice and hospitality industries to lead with meaningful sustainable business practice action.
Last week’s column previewed the first (of 3) October 12th Hospitality Industry Sustainability and Food Waste Summit expert panel discussions—localizing global sustainability. Resurgent Covid infections coupled with continuing industrywide labor issues so brilliantly diagnosed in this publication by Francine Cohen last month represent cornerstones for the timely and expansive second panel topic—Green Under a New Spotlight of Clean. Attendees should expect that spotlight will also very much debunk any antiquated notions, downright myths, that adopting sustainable business practices comes at higher cost of doing business. In fact, sustainability has been a catalyst for innovation where incorporating the practices you will learn from expert panelists will protect the earth’s green and your green cash.
Registrations for the 9 AM thru noon EDT October 12th Hospitality Sustainability and Food Waste Summit are coming in at amazing paces—exactly the type of grassroots outpouring one would expect from the always energized foodservice industry. But just like it took thousands of Mothers and Students Against Drunk Driving to spur needed action, it will take our entire field of foodservice industry professionals to have the same effect on climate change. Don’t delay… confirm your place at the inaugural Hospitality Sustainability and Food Waste Summit by emailing tfs@totalfood.com or jbf@wearetheone.com
