It’s a common misconception that sustainability is all about eco-friendliness. However, its true essence is in seeing ecological and societal systems work together to efficiently preserve each other. As much as environmental initiatives like “reduce, reuse, and recycle” can help, it is the responsibility of businesses to practice more systems that promote sustainability. For restaurants, this means reducing waste streams, protecting the environment, and enhancing the lives of communities. By implementing restaurant operations that aim to take care of the environment and its people, these restaurants are proving that sustainability can go hand in hand with serving delicious meals.
Earth Kitchen
https://earthkitchen.ph/
Katipunan Ave., Quezon City
As Earth Kitchen was building itself from the ground up, one of its primary aims was to support local farmers and communities in the Philippines. Not only does this promote the livelihood of Filipinos, it also lessens the amount of chemicals used by transportation systems when importing goods from other countries. They also guarantee that the farms they partner with are just as sustainable, with produce free of GMOs, chemicals, synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides.
Because ingredients are sourced from local farmers, fishermen, and indigenous communities, some dishes are only available if the ingredients are in-season. They offer all-course dishes, from appetizers to salads and mains, which all use local ingredients.
Manna
https://manna.com.ph/
Open Kitchen, Rockwell Business Center, Sheridan St., Mandaluyong
Manna understands that healthy eating isn’t just a recipe for a better lifestyle. It’s also an efficient way to preserve the environment. By promoting healthy eating without sacrificing taste, Manna makes sure that customers learn about how naturally sourced products grown in the Philippines cannot just make for healthier ingredients but also lower costs and energy spent in the production of meals. On top of these environmental initiatives, they also pride themselves on caring for their employees and their families, putting social responsibility on their list of sustainable practices.
ECHO Café
https://echostore.ph/pages/echocafe
GF NDC Bldg. 116 Tordesillas St. Salcedo Village, Makati
When ECHO Store began in 2008, they guaranteed to provide eco-friendly and natural products that are sustainable for the environment. To further this venture, they founded the ECHO Café in 2011 in support of the country’s local farmers. The name, an acronym for Environment and Community Hope Organization, emphasizes their goals of caring for the Earth and improving the lives of Filipino communities. They offer breakfast, salads, pastas, and drinks, which are all healthy and organic.
Le Don’s Garden and Café
https://www.facebook.com/LeDonsGarden/
Asuncion Subdivision, Purok 3 Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, Biga 1, Silang, Cavite
Le Don’s Garden and Café was created as a way to help owner Jenni Foranda and her family take care of their sick mother by providing her with the healthiest and safest produce. They made their own garden where they harvested vegetables and herbs, and used these as the ingredients for their dishes. This garden-to-table process has helped them conserve energy and water, and lessen food waste. Added to this, they also hold yoga sessions in the café’s function rooms to promote a sense of community tied to a healthy lifestyle.
Header photo courtesy of Earth Kitchen
Get more stories like this by subscribing to our weekly newsletter here.
Read more:
5 sustainable habits to develop today