Restaurant
Programme
OUR APPROACH
We are excited to introduce our groundbreaking Restaurant Programme, which centers around supporting a Zero Waste to Land-Fill system. Our approach is designed to address the pressing issue of waste generation and its detrimental impact on our environment. We believe that by participating in this program, you can play a vital role in creating a significant positive change.
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In today's throw-away culture, we often overlook the consequences of our actions, resulting in overflowing landfills and oceans plagued with trash. However, our Restaurant Programme is focused on transforming this mindset and instilling a more sustainable way of operating. By joining hands with us, you will be contributing to a meaningful shift away from wasteful practices.
We understand that there is no instant solution to the plastic problem, but we do not pretend to have all the answers. Instead, we propose a practical approach that embraces the concept of a circular economy. Our goal is to minimize the use of new or 'virgin' plastic and maximize the longevity of existing plastic items, keeping them within the recycling loop.
By implementing the criteria set forth by our program, you demonstrate a powerful commitment to safeguarding the health of our oceans. Your restaurant will serve as a role model for responsible environmental stewardship and pave the way for new paradigms in the hospitality industry.
Participating in our Restaurant Programme is not only an opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment but also a chance to showcase your establishment as an eco-conscious and socially responsible business. We believe that together, we can create a more sustainable future, and your support is crucial in achieving this shared vision.
Join us in this journey towards a greener and more sustainable tomorrow. Let's make a meaningful difference together and inspire others to follow suit. Together, we can be the change-makers that our planet urgently needs.
THE OCEAN PLEDGE RESTAURANT PROGRAMME
South Africa has been ranked as the 11th largest contributor to marine plastics, with 95% of that coming from land-based sources. Research shows that 94% of all trash on South Africa’s beaches is plastic, of which 77% is packaging.
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PROGRAMME GOALS:
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Reduce plastic waste in the food and beverage sector by eliminating non-recyclable plastics like expanded polystyrene (EPS), plastic-lined cups, clamshells, and cutlery.
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Build a network of plastic-conscious restaurants, fostering the sharing of best practices and guidelines.
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Encourage eco-friendly consumer behavior through education, communication, and campaigns.
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Monitor and track progress with data aggregation throughout the journey.
OCEAN PLEDGE PROGRAMME CRITERIA
To become part of our restaurant program, participating restaurants must adhere to the following criteria:
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NO PLASTIC/
PLASTIC STRAWS
ALL TAKE-AWAY/DISPOSABLE UTENSILS (INCLUDING CUTLERY, STIRRERS AND SCOOPS) ARE MADE FROM WOOD/BAMBOO​​
NO EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE (AKA STYROFOAM)
NO PLASTIC BAGS OFFERED
NO SWEETS WITH INDIVIDUAL WRAPPERS
A “REFUSE THE LID CAMPAIGN” IS IMPLEMENTED
CUSTOMERS
BRINGING THEIR OWN REUSABLE ITEMS (MUGS, BOTTLES, CONTAINERS) IS COMMUNICATED AND/OR INCENTIVIZED
*Our programme and criteria draw inspiration from the SurfRider Foundation Ocean Friendly programme. We have adapted it to align with South African research and to incorporate solutions available in our current market, with valuable advice and input from local businesses and WWF.
THE OCEAN PLEDGE JOURNEY
We understand that going plastic-free is a journey.
Once the baseline criteria are met, we invite you to join us in an
ongoing process of improvement that is tailor-made for your restaurant needs and that keeps up with new research, as the market changes and alternatives become available.
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Businesses can then journey toward further criteria in their quest to improve:
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No beverages sold in plastic bottles.
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All condiments provided in glass, paper or reusable containers.
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Food waste is separated and either distributed through food sharing programmes or composted.
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Recycling system is in place for glass, plastic, paper, tin etc.
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Any seafood is SASSI green listed.
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Earth friendly cleaning products are used
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*Improvement on further criteria will be acknowledged and communicated on our various platforms.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
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Early adoption of best-practice behaviors appealing to the values of a growing generation of environmentally conscious consumers.
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Listing on Ocean Pledge website and interactive map showcasing restaurant name and/or location.
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Promotion to our online partnership networks with exposure to ongoing campaigns and social media platforms such as Wavescape
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Use Ocean Pledge Restaurant Programme logos for your menus, websites, and marketing media (please note our T&Cs).
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Ongoing consultation around best practices concerning cost-saving benefits.
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Access to a growing database of alternative resources and service providers.
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Implementing criteria that address national/international development goals that are critical for a sustainable economy.
BENEFITS POST SIGN UP
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A choice of Ocean Pledge Restaurant Programme decals for your venue/vendor vehicle.
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Access to:
- communication posters for ‘refuse the lid’ and ‘bring your own’ campaigns
- educational and staff training materials
- a restaurant community through which to share best practice
- our resource base for alternative products/ suppliers -
Ocean Pledge Restaurant Programme digital logo/website badges for your website and social media platforms (see T&C’s)
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Announcement on our social media and partner platforms.
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Listing on the interactive map on our website.
THE OCEAN PLEDGE RESTAURANT PROGRAMME AND THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Our Restaurant and other Programmes seek to support the implementation of the United Nation’s global sustainable development agenda. Through its various activities, our Programmes helps to achieve:
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SDG 4 – to provide access to quality education.
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SDG 12 – to promote responsible consumption and production, including sustainable waste management.
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SDG 14 – to protect the ocean and pursue a healthy ‘below water’ environment.
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The Restaurant Programme also supports the City of Cape Town’s strategic objective to ‘reduce waste to landfill’, as included in the Integrated Development Plan (2017-2022).
HOW TO: SIGN UP
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Rate your restaurant to see if you meet the criteria to become part of our community.
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If you do not meet the criteria and you are ready for action we will keep in contact, in the meantime, you can view our guideline document.
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If you fulfill the criteria, you can continue to register online.
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Once you’ve signed and paid for your membership, we will be in touch to query about details concerning consumables relevant to the programme and your preferences for marketing materials.
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This information will enable us to measure and increase the impact of our programme.
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Ocean Pledge Restaurant Programme Annual Membership Fees
The membership fee structure is R1000 annually per restaurant and R500 per vendor. Discounts are provided for multiple restaurant sign-ups. Annual membership fees, which are subject to change, enable the sustainability and continued growth of the programme.
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