How Can We Create Sustainable Food Services?

Let’s be real—when it comes to catering, food waste can feel like an unavoidable part of the process. But at Radish Events, we’re flipping that narrative. We’re all about creating unforgettable food experiences while minimising our impact on the planet.

Over the years, we’ve transformed into a B Corp-certified, carbon-neutral, low-waste catering company based in Sydney. Through trial, error, and a whole lot of passion, we’ve discovered ways to reduce food waste, reuse materials, and make sustainability part of everything we do. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at our journey and how you can adopt low-waste practices in your own kitchen or events.

What Sustainability Means to Us

For us, sustainability is about making thoughtful choices. It’s about reducing our impact at every level, from the food we serve to how we treat our team. We’ve built our business around five key pillars:

1. Reducing Food Waste
   Did you know Australians waste 7.6 million tonnes of food every year? (Thanks, OzHarvest, for the scary stat.) The events industry is a big contributor, but we’ve made it our mission to turn things around.

• We design circular menus, where every ingredient shines in multiple dishes.

• We help clients avoid over-catering by sharing our expertise.

• We compost every single scrap that can’t be used.

2. Reusing Packaging
   We’ve set up return systems with our suppliers to cut down on single-use packaging. Eggs, falafels, even our dishwashing powder come in reusable containers.  While dry goods like rice and flour still pose challenges, we’re constantly seeking better solutions.

3. Ethical Sourcing & Seasonality
   We prioritise local and ethical suppliers who share our values. Seasonal produce forms the backbone of our menus, and we collaborate with sustainable initiatives like Two Hands for traceable seafood.

4. Carbon Neutrality
   We offset 100% of our carbon emissions and are constantly looking for ways to reduce them at the source—whether it’s through local ingredients, plant-based menus, or sourcing pasture-raised beef from holistic farms. A future EV delivery van is also on the cards

5. Community Wellbeing
   Hospitality can be a tough industry and we believe sustainability includes people too. That’s why we focus on fair wages, healthy work conditions, and a positive workplace culture..

How We Minimise Waste at Events

Waste happens at every stage of an event, but we’ve found ways to tackle it head-on:

• Circular Menus: We use every part of an ingredient. Offcuts become hero dishes, like our upcycled herb chimichurri or salmon rillette made from smoked head and belly cuts.

• Composting: All scraps we don’t reuse go to a local composting facility. At events, we use compostable bins and containers for leftovers.

• Leftovers: Guests can take food home in our eco-friendly packaging, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Sourcing Sustainably

Our commitment to a zero waste journey is complemented by our philosophy of supporting local producers. By sourcing at least 75% of our ingredients locally, we not only reduce our carbon footprint but also contribute to the local economy. Seasonal produce is preferred, as it’s fresher, requires less transportation, and helps to create menus that resonate with our community. This dedication to local sourcing is a vital part of our mission: to deliver boldly delicious food while minimising waste and taking responsibility for the resources we use.

What Are the Positives of Going Low-Waste?

The most obvious win? Reducing food waste keeps it out of landfills, where it would otherwise produce methane (a major greenhouse gas). But there’s more:

• We measure everything—from food waste to carbon emissions—so we can track our impact and improve.

• Sustainability has become a selling point. More clients are choosing us because of our values, whether it’s corporate teams meeting ESG goals or couples wanting an eco-friendly wedding.

Tips for Reducing Waste at Events

1. Trust Your Caterer: Over-catering is the biggest waste culprit. Lean on your caterer to help you plan smarter portions.

2. Get RSVPs: Confirm guest numbers to avoid surprises.

3. Have a Plan for Leftovers: Repurpose, donate, or send extras home with guests.

Final Thoughts

Sustainability isn’t a destination—it’s a journey. At Radish Events, we’re proud to be part of the movement towards a greener future, one plate at a time. Whether you’re hosting a wedding, a corporate event, or just a Sunday lunch, small changes can make a big difference.

If you’re looking for catering that’s as kind to the planet as it is delicious, we’d love to chat.

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