Playbook for guiding diners to plant rich dishes in food services

Producing beef emits 20 times more greenhouse gases than common plant-based proteins, which is why shifting diets toward containing less beef, and more plants, is an important climate action. To help food service companies support diners in choosing more plant-rich meals, this playbook from WRI’s Better Buying Lab outlines the top 23 ‘behavior change’ strategies drawing on cutting edge academic research into how people choose food, as well as insights from experts in the food service industry about what works and what doesn’t.

The playbook is designed to be used by anyone working in the food service sector wishing to make changes within their operations to encourage diners to choose more sustainable, plant-rich options — including chefs, food servers, managers, sales people, marketing and communications professionals, food operators, distributors, researchers, nutritionists, dieticians, and procurement teams.

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2025

Ndiob’s Agriculture Development Programme

It was critical that Ndiob’s local Agricultural Development Programme of 2017 was designed in a particularly inclusive way and the people were involved in all phases of the programme, from the diagnosis/analysis to implementation. Main support came from the NGO ENDA PRONAT, that for a long time advocates for agroecology in West Africa, with other organizations and entities interested in support Ndiob’s vision and work.

In 2018, two villages – Thiallé and Soumnane – of Ndiob decided to adopt agroecology as a way of life in different areas. They will be pilot villages and accompanied by the municipality and its partners such as FAO, INP and Elephant Vert. The aim is to build on the results and gained experiences of these two villages to further multiply activities to other villages of the municipality.

The use of interpretation to influence the behavior of snorkelers

This solution addresses snorkeler impacts and dissatisfaction in the Mombasa Marine Park and Reserve (MMPR). James Cook University (JCU) and CORDIO delivered interpretive training to the snorkel industry to encourage pro-environmental snorkel behavior, enhance visitor experience and build sustainability. A major output was the creation of a code of conduct created by members of the snorkel industry. Results included more pro-environmental snorkel behaviors and enhanced visitor experience.

Green Fins: An approach to managing a sustainable diving industry

The solution targets threats to coral reefs related to scuba diving, one of the fastest growing tourism industries. Its best practice guidelines promote commercial sustainability and a contribution to increase coral reef resilience. Members are equipped with the necessary information, tools and training to mitigate threats, implement sustainable practices and promote environmental education and awareness amongst the dive industry and local communities and limit their impact on the environment.

Influencing community attitudes towards waste management

The solution addresses poor waste management in Pangani District, Tanzania for a coastal community at one pilot site. Creative and participatory outreach tools were used to raise awareness of the importance of waste management, to initiate dialogue among citizens and village leaders, and to mobilize people into action. Citizens and leaders subsequently applied their new knowledge to formulate local waste management bylaws, providing a sustainable, legal framework for improved waste management.

Boosting underutilized nutritious foods as local snack alternatives

Local, indigenous food typical for an area often proves more nutritious than store-bought imported varieties. Through shorter supply chains, the sale of these food items also benefit local farmers. However, such foods are often woefully underutilized.

Puffing or popping can help make certain local foods more attractive as snacks – providing healthy alternatives to imported fast food and sustainably using biodiversity, while boosting local incomes. Use of this technology encourages consumption of underutilized locally available cereals and legumes through value addition.

Certified Wildlife Friendly™ Agriculture

With over one-third of the planet’s land used for agriculture—and over one-quarter used for livestock grazing—farms and ranches offer both a great threat and a tremendous opportunity for wildlife conservation. Applying strategies to protect key species on agricultural lands is critical to the viability of wildlife populations, especially as open space diminishes and once-remote areas become accessible. By offering scientifically-sound, measurable standards to agricultural producers round the world, Certified Wildlife Friendly™ celebrates farm-level wildlife stewardship. Through this approach, the Wildlife Friendly Enterprise Network (WFEN) works to support both communities and wildlife alike by creating incentives for sound ecological management of farm and ranch lands around the world.

Denmark’s Organic Action Plan “Working together for more organics”

Developed by involving a broad spectrum of stakeholders, Denmark’s Organic Action Plan is a holistic strategy that increases, on the one hand, the overall demand for organic products and, on the other hand, stimulates research and product innovation. Supported by substantial dedicated funding, the Plan produced very clear positive outcomes: Today Denmark has the highest market share of organic products in the world, with almost 80 percent of Danes purchasing organic food. Also thanks to high demand, the Plan has amply met its original target of doubling organic farm land compared to a 2007 baseline. For its achievements, Denmark’s Organic Action Plan (2011-2020) was recognized with the Future Policy Silver Award 2018, awarded by the World Future Council in partnership with the FAO and IFOAM – Organics International.

Gastronomy as an agent of change towards more diverse and sustainable production

Amazon indigenous communities have for generations integrated farms and forest to produce an extraordinary diversity of foods, but market and cultural forces are eroding these well-honed systems.

A burgeoning Latin American food movement is creating new opportunities. Relationships between rainforest communities and chefs can help incubate new enterprises and showcase the Amazon, through delicious food, to new audiences and allies.

Canopy Bridge works with a group of more than 25 chefs from Ecuador´s best restaurants, indigenous communities and conservation NGOs to develop value chains for Amazon fresh foods (aquaculture paiche- Arapaima gigas– from Ai-Kofán and products grown by the Kichwa people in highly diversified chakra production units) that have substantial conservation benefits and great culinary potential. Through the establishment of a distribution chain from the Amazon to Quito, these products are now reaching specialty food markets and restaurants on a weekly basis.

Good Food Purchasing Program (GFFP)

Adopted first by the City of Los Angeles in 2012, the Good Food Purchasing Programme achieved that in L.A. institutions, which serve about 750,000 meals a day, children get more local, sustainable, fair and humanely produced food to eat. The Programme has set off a nationwide movement and inspired the creation of the Center for Good Food Purchasing, which is now promoting the programme across the United States. By now 27 public institutions in 14 U.S. cities are enrolled. Due to its impressive achievements and fast roll-out thoughout the country, the Good Food Purchasing Program was recognized with an Honourable Mention of the 2018 Future Policy Award, awarded by the World Future Council in partnership with FAO and IFOAM – Organics International.

Soil for Life's Home Food Gardening Programme

Soil for Life is a non-profit actively involved in teaching people from under-resourced communities in the Western Cape how to grow food using ecologically friendly methods. Since September 2000, we have gained a genuine understanding of the people that we work with, their environments, challenges, constraints, cultures and beliefs. We have used this knowledge to adapt our programmes to ensure that beneficiaries achieve the best possible outcomes.

Trainees are taught how to grow food using natural, water-wise farming techniques and how to identify and use the waste around them in their gardens. They learn practices such as composting, trenching, mulching, sheet mulching, close planting, drip irrigation and water harvesting to conserve water and soil nutrients.

To maximise impact, we provide trainees with ongoing support for up to four years. We also provide support and mentorship to gardeners who wish to develop small home businesses that generate income through the sale of produce, seeds, seedlings and compost.

Responsible Business Alliance Practical Guide to Responsible Sourcing of Goods and Services

The Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) Practical Guide to Responsible Sourcing of Goods and Services outlines standard procurement steps to appropriate RBA tools and resources, to help give buyers confidence the products that they procure from RBA members are made in socially and environmentally responsible ways.

Love Food Hate Waste

Discover some simple hacks, tips and guidance to make the most of your food at home. Find out why it’s so crucial that we all do our bit to save our food from the bin – and protect our beautiful planet at the same time too.

Every little thing you do, everyday, makes a huge difference. By working together, it soon adds up if you times each small action by 66 million people living in the UK. And, you’ll save money on your shopping bill too!