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Équiterre is proud to be one of the four finalists in the Alimentation [food] category at the 2016 Les Vivats contest for our annual Benefit Cocktail. Some 82 applications were submitted for the 5th contest, which is intended to recognize sustainable practices in Quebec.
Sustainable—from the earth to the plate!
Thanks to the close collaboration between the caterer, Vincent Lafleur, and Équiterre family farmer, Robin Fortin, the 350 benefit cocktail guests got to nibble on the tastiest local bites and promote local fruits and vegetables. Local procurement supports Quebec farmers while reducing the distance food travels and related GHG emissions. “The menu was 93% local, including over 80% vegetarian bites. What’s more, no red meat was used and the event was waste-free. Opting for a cocktail dinner rather than a sit-down meal meant there was no need for dinnerware, which directly reduced our environmental footprint, especially with regards to the overconsumption of resources,” explained Lyne Royer, Equiterre’s benefit event organizer. The GHG emissions were, of course, offset via Planetair.
Équiterre implemented innovative sustainable measures for the event: the caterer had to liaise with the local fruit and vegetable supplier, and the menu was based on food available and not the other way round, which is quite rare. “Using resources available nearby and cooking with seasonal produce is a great way to ensure a sustainable food supply chain,” added Ms. Royer.
Le Conseil québécois des évènements écoresponsables [Quebec council for sustainable events] will announce the Les Vivats contest winners at the Cabaret Lion d’Or, Montreal, on April 5. Good luck to all the finalists!
Click here for more information on the sustainable profile of Équiterre’s cocktail benefit.
Photo : Marie Sebire.