SRA Japan and Zenbird team up to promote sustainable dining options

Zenbird, an online magazine operated by Harch, has entered a partnership with the Sustainable Restaurant Association Japan (SRA Japan). This collaboration aims to highlight sustainable dining options by featuring an extensive list of vetted restaurants on Zenbird’s dedicated platform, Zenbird.Life.

Zenbird.life

The need for sustainability has become increasingly vital in our daily choices. This partnership thus marks a significant step forward in making sustainable dining accessible and recognizable to both locals and tourists in Japan.

For tourists venturing into Japan, this partnership serves as a gateway to experiencing authentic and sustainable Japanese cuisine. By simplifying the discovery of certified sustainable restaurants, Zenbird.Life enables visitors to make conscientious dining choices, enriching their travel experience while minimizing their environmental footprint. This not only supports sustainable practices in the food industry but also promotes cultural immersion as tourists engage more deeply with Japan’s commitment to sustainability.

The Sustainable Restaurant Association Japan is pivotal in transforming the landscape of the Japanese food industry towards adopting a sustainable model. SRA Japan conducts thorough assessments based on the “FOOD MADE GOOD” standards, tackling various environmental and social challenges in the food supply chain. By fostering collaboration among local producers, suppliers, and consumers, SRA Japan strives to instill sustainable practices that align with global standards and improve the overall health of the planet.

FOOD MADE GOOD Japan Awards 2023 held in November 2023. (Courtesy of Sustainable Restaurant Association Japan)

Achieving sustainability in the restaurant sector is fraught with challenges. Key issues include sourcing ingredients sustainably and managing waste efficiently. Many restaurants struggle to find reliable suppliers who adhere to sustainable practices, often grappling with higher costs and limited availability. Waste reduction is another significant challenge, as minimizing food waste while maintaining food safety standards requires innovation and vigilance.

The criteria set by SRA Japan for determining a restaurant’s sustainability are comprehensive and multi-faceted. Recognizing the profound connection between food and critical environmental issues—such as climate change and water scarcity—SRA Japan also addresses social concerns within the supply chain. Their approach creates a synergistic relationship between restaurants, stakeholders, and consumers, aiming to foster a sustainable food ecosystem that significantly reduces the environmental impacts of dining and promotes equitable food distribution.

The Zenbird.Life platform meticulously curates sustainable options in dining, shopping, and travel by conducting in-depth interviews and onsite evaluations. By focusing on three core areas—social good, environmental benefit, and circularity—Zenbird.Life empowers individuals to make informed decisions that contribute to a healthier planet. This partnership will help our users to discover and appreciate the sustainability of these restaurants better.

As this partnership between Zenbird and SRA Japan flourishes, it will enhance the visibility of sustainable restaurants and educate and encourage consumers to partake in a more sustainable lifestyle.

[Reference] SRA Japan and Zenbird team up to promote sustainable dining options | Zenbird
[Related Site] Zenbird
[Related Site] Sustainable Restaurant Association Japan FOOD MADE GOOD Homepage (in Japanese)
[Related Site] Zenbird.Life