What is Sustainability?

As our culture has moved towards healthier food practices and lifestyles, there seems to be more and more talk about sustainability. But, what exactly is sustainability, especially when it comes to food? Well, we’re here to define it for you.

In 1990, when the Farm Bill, which governs farm and food policy, made its way to Congress, the definition of Sustainable Agriculture was: “An integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that over the long term will: (1) satisfy human food and fiber needs, (2) enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends, (3) make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls, (4) sustain the economic viability of farm operations, and (5) enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.”

Now, two decades later, these ideas are still very relevant.

As an international restaurant consulting group, VSAG views the implementation of sustainable practices (whenever possible) for the projects we create for our clients to be an integral part of a client’s ability to succeed in the modern restaurant industry.

Simply put, for us “sustainability is about forever, profit, character and transparency. Our character is what drives us to run a business in a way that our children can not only be proud of, but one day continue,” says VSAG’s Dan Simons.

We strive to stay true to that statement everyday. Not only in the sustainable food our clients serve when supporting local farming communities, but also enhancing environmental quality by using reclaimed wood and textiles, printing menus on recycled paper using soy-based inks, purchasing only energy efficient appliances and the like.

Thus, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, while creating an eco-friendly product, we hope will inspire future restaurateurs and garner recognition for our clients (we love that Food Republic recently ranked VSAG client Founding Farmers (DC) as one of the Top 10 Sustainable Restaurants in the country!).

As dedicated restaurant consultants, VSAG will continue to support sustainable practices for the betterment of our clients, the world we live in and the planet we will pass on to our children.