Piloting a Zero Waste Café Model in Nepal
From farm to table, every bite we take has a journey; grown by farmers, delivered to markets, and prepared in kitchens. We nourish ourselves with food, savor its flavors, and celebrate its importance in our lives. Yet, how often do we pause to reflect on the deep inequalities within our food system where some over-consume while others face daily hunger?
In Nepal, this reality is a growing concern. For the past three years, DCA in Nepal has been working to address this imbalance.
Through research and fieldwork along with embedded ongoing project activities, we have explored ways to minimise food waste and strengthen food security by promoting sustainable consumption practices, especially in urban areas.
Our approach not only champions responsible food usage but also contributes to building a circular economy and mitigating carbon emissions vital steps toward a healthier planet.
Launching a New Initiative: The Zero Waste Café
As part of our AGRATA Project, DCA in Nepal, in collaboration with Blue Waste to Value and the Institute for Social and Environmental Transition-Nepal (ISET-Nepal), proudly introduced an innovative concept in peresence of government and relevant stakeholders.
At our inception workshop titled “Reducing Food Waste and Demonstrating Wise Utilisation Methods to the Public in Kathmandu City: Piloting a Zero Waste Café Model in Nepal,” we shared our vision for reimagining urban food systems.
The Zero Waste Café is not just a dining space; it is a living example of sustainability in action. This new model seeks to:
- Raise consumer awareness about food waste reduction and promote mindful eating habits.
- Create value from food waste by encouraging upcycling and resource-efficient practices.
- Demonstrate sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics and kitchen materials.
- Serve affordable, high-quality cuisine while minimising food and material waste.
- Educate the public on the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle.
- Promote behavioral change by highlighting the tremendous effort and resources behind each meal.
- Inspire the food industry, encouraging cafes, restaurants, and hotels to adopt low-waste, eco-friendly business practices.
By showcasing real-world examples of sustainable food service, the Zero Waste Café will model how small changes in consumption and waste management can lead to big environmental and social impacts.
The launch of this café is more than a project, it is a movement toward a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system in Nepal.
Through this initiative, DCA in Nepal hopes to influence not just individual behaviors but also broader industry practices and policies.
A successful pilot in Kathmandu could set a precedent for replication across the country, inspiring other cities and communities to embrace circular solutions in their fight against food waste and climate change.
Our journey toward a greener, fairer future continues, and every plate counts.