Whether it’s a quick coffee grab on the run, a cheeky burger stop, or a late-night sushi run, fast food is an institution of Australian culture. The catch is that the fast food industry is a major source of carbon emissions, packaging pollution, and food waste. Not to mention the environmental effects of sourcing and shipping ingredients, millions of tonnes of food and plastic waste annually wind up in landfills.
The good news? Enjoying your favourite takeaway without feeling guilty is now easier than ever thanks to the growing selection of sustainable fast food options. More dining establishments are reducing their use of plastic, sourcing locally, and addressing food waste with clever strategies like food rescue programs and composting. This implies that you can still indulge your cravings while making environmentally friendly decisions.
So, how can you make a difference? Making small changes, like using food rescue apps, bringing your own reusable containers, or favouring restaurants that prioritise sustainability, can help you cut down on waste and your carbon footprint. Together, we can help change Australia’s fast food industry to one that is more environmentally friendly and beneficial to people. Small changes add up. Are you prepared to adopt a more environmentally friendly takeaway habits? Let’s get started.
What does ‘Sustainable Fast Food’ Mean?
In the fast food industry, sustainability is about developing a whole system that minimises environmental impact while still providing the quick, delectable meals that we all enjoy. It goes beyond simply using recyclable packaging or adding a few plant-based menu items. Sourcing ingredients sustainably, reducing waste and implementing ethical practices are the three main pillars of sustainable fast food for Australian businesses.
1. Sourcing Ingredients Sustainably
Where and how a fast food company sources its ingredients is the first step towards becoming truly sustainable. To cut down on food miles and help Australian farmers, this means giving priority to food that is produced locally, seasonally, and ethically. Because of transportation emissions, ingredients that are shipped all over the world have a significant carbon footprint. Businesses that choose to source locally, however, are reducing pollution, supporting the local economy, and providing customers with better, fresher food.
Sustainable farming is another important consideration. Nowadays, a lot of environmentally conscious fast food chains are selecting organic produce, free-range meat, and seafood from ethical fisheries. Because plant-based alternatives are less resource-intensive to produce and create fewer emissions, some people are even replacing conventional options.
2. Reducing Waste
Food waste and single-use packaging are two of the fast food industry’s most prevalent waste issues. Luckily, companies are stepping up to solve the problem. To reduce overordering and spoiling, many are putting food rescue programs into place, composting organic waste, and utilising AI-powered tracking systems. Fast food restaurants can donate their excess meals instead of throwing them away thanks to apps like Too Good to Go and collaborations with nonprofits like OzHarvest.
More takeout establishments are switching to compostable, biodegradable, or reusable packaging instead of plastic straws, Styrofoam containers, and excessive wrappers. Because, let’s face it, every little bit counts, some restaurants are even giving discounts to patrons who bring their own containers and coffee cups!
3. Implementing Ethical Practices
Sustainability encompasses more than just the environment; it also involves the people employed behind the counter and beyond. Fair pay, secure working conditions, and supply chain transparency are top priorities for ethical, sustainable fast food companies. This involves being transparent about their environmental commitments and making sure that farmers, suppliers, and employees receive fair treatment.
It includes consumer health as well. More fast food chains are emphasising nutrient-dense, minimally processed meals that not only taste good but also support a healthier way of living.
Best Sustainable Fast Food Places to Eat in Australia
Eco-Conscious Fast Food Chains Across Major Cities
Sustainable fast food is becoming more and more popular across Australia, from the sun-drenched streets of Brisbane to the busy alleyways of Melbourne. It’s now simpler than ever to get a bite without feeling guilty thanks to more takeaway establishments adopting eco-friendly packaging, locally sourced ingredients and waste-reducing initiatives. These cities offer a wide variety of environmentally friendly fast food options that are worth checking out, whether you’re looking for a quick plant-based burger or a waste-conscious sushi roll.
Fishbowl: A sushi bowl chain that supports Australian farmers and reduces food miles by using locally sourced ingredients. To make this even better, all of their packaging can be recycled or composted.
Learn more here.
Grill’d: Where do I even start with Grill’d? They are really doing the most. They use locally sourced ingredients, adhere to stringent animal welfare and environmentally friendly standards, their beef patties reduce methane emissions by up to 67%, their beef, lamb, and chicken are all 100% Australian and free of hormones and antibiotics. Top-notch plant-based options are available, and their buns have a distinct flavour thanks to a natural leaven and no preservatives.
Their packaging is completely recyclable, free of plastic straws, and forest friendly. They convert spent cooking oil into biodiesel and use GreenPower renewable energy to power over 64 restaurants, with more to follow. Sustainability is ingrained in every bite, not just a trendy term!
PRO TIP: Do yourself a favour and try a HFC BLAT.
Plant-Based Food Chains for Sustainable Eating
Don’t assume that all fast food must consist of deep-fried food and greasy burgers. With more options than ever before for people who want to lessen their environmental impact without sacrificing taste, Australia’s plant-based fast food scene is flourishing. Whether you’re a flexitarian, a lifelong vegetarian, or just trying to eat less meat occasionally, these plant-based fast food restaurants are providing tasty, sustainable meals that make eating environmentally friendly simple.
Lord of the Fries: This plant-based fast-food restaurant chain specialises in serving eco-friendly, meatless comfort food, such as loaded fries and burgers. They maintain a sustainable supply chain and use packaging that decomposes naturally.
Check out their menu here.
Funky Pies: This Sydney-based pie shop makes handmade pies that are 100% vegan and packed with flavourful, filling ingredients. Their packaging is 100% compostable and they are powered by solar energy. They also provide nationwide delivery, so you can enjoy these renowned plant-based pies wherever you are in Australia.
Learn more here.
It’s now easier than ever to choose environmentally friendly fast food wherever you are in Australia. When searching for fast food options that are sustainable, look for locally sources ingredients, plant-based options, reusable, biodegradable, or compostable packaging and restaurants that reduce food waste by collaborating with food rescue organisations.
We can increase demand for environmentally friendly takeaway options by endorsing sustainable fast food chains, demonstrating that fast food can be tasty, practical, and environmentally friendly.
How to Find Sustainable Take Away Options Near You
Apps and Websites to Discover Sustainable Fast Food
It’s not necessary to rely solely on luck to find sustainable fast food options. There is an app for finding a plant-based burger place, a café that uses compostable packaging, or a takeaway establishment that is dedicated to minimising food waste. Finding environmentally friendly restaurants is now simpler than ever thanks to the growth of platforms that are devoted to sustainability. These are a few of the top websites and apps to assist you in choosing more environmentally friendly foods.
1. HappyCow – The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Eats
HappyCow is your best friend if you’re searching for vegetarian and vegan fast food. This worldwide app assists users in locating plant-based and sustainable eateries. HappyCow makes it simple to identify and support companies that share your values by providing user reviews, images, and information about each location’s sustainability initiatives (such as composting, using organic ingredients, and using minimal packaging). The app will display the top plant-based options in your area, whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, or a small regional town.
2. The Good Food Guide – Australia’s Dining Directory
The Good Food Guide provides professional reviews and insights into Australia’s top sustainable restaurants for those who want to delve a little deeper into their dining selections. This guide highlights companies that use seasonal, local, ethical, and environmentally friendly ingredients, even if they are not specifically focused on fast food.
3. Too Good To Go – Fighting Food Waste, One Meal at a Time
Too Good To Go is a must-download if you enjoy a good feed and a good deal. You can use this app to find eateries, coffee shops and takeaway locations that have extra food at the end of the day. Businesses use the app to sell perfectly good meals at a discount rather than wasting them.
4. Fair Food Forager – Your Pocket Guide to Ethical Eating
Fair Food Forager helps you find eateries and takeaway that prioritise sustainability. Businesses are rated by the app according to important environmental criteria, such as packaging selection, ethical labour practices, local sourcing, and food waste reduction.
It has never been easier to choose environmentally friendly foods thanks to these apps and websites. Finding fast food that fits with your sustainability objectives is made easy by technology, whether you’re looking for a plant-based burger, a restaurant that serves takeaway with compostable packaging, or cheap meals that would otherwise go to waste.
Why not check an app first the next time you need to grab a bite to eat on the run? The environment and your taste buds will both appreciate it.
