As global awareness of climate change reaches critical levels, Climate Week has emerged as a vital platform for dialogue, innovation, and action. At GP, we’re not just talking about sustainability—we’re actively contributing by embedding environmentally friendly practices into every aspect of our event services.

For Climate Week 2024, we’re proud to showcase our ongoing efforts in support of a healthier planet. Here’s how GP is making a difference:

1) Crafting Sustainable Menus: Vegan, Plant-Forward, and Local Ingredients

At the heart of our sustainability mission is the food we serve. We design event menus that reflect our commitment to the environment by emphasizing:

• Vegan and Plant-Forward Dishes: Reducing reliance on animal products lowers our carbon footprint while offering diverse, delicious options for guests.
• Locally-Sourced Ingredients: Whenever possible, we incorporate seasonal and regional ingredients, cutting down on food miles and supporting local farmers.
• Sustainable Selections: Our focus extends to sustainable seafood, organic produce, and responsibly farmed items to ensure the entire menu aligns with our values.

2) Reducing Waste Through Food Rescue Programs

We believe that food should nourish, not go to waste. After our events, we partner with local organizations to coordinate the pickup and redistribution of leftover food, ensuring it reaches food pantries and shelters in need. By actively participating in food rescue efforts, we’re helping combat both food insecurity and food waste—a win for the planet and our communities.

3) Farm-to-Table: Sourcing from Our Organic Farm in Upstate NY

GP proudly operates an organic farm in upstate New York, where we grow many of the fresh ingredients featured in our event menus. From farm-fresh vegetables to artisanal herbs, we are dedicated to providing the highest-quality, sustainable ingredients that our guests can feel good about enjoying.

4) Sustainable Disposables: Eco-Friendly Choices

When it comes to disposable items, our standards are simple: they must meet strict sustainability criteria. Whether it’s biodegradable cutlery or compostable packaging, we ensure that every item we use minimizes environmental impact. These choices might seem small, but they make a big difference in reducing waste at large-scale events.

5) Catering for Change: Climate Week Events We’re Supporting

This year, GP is thrilled to be catering some of the most impactful Climate Week events, including:

• Food Tank at Climate Week NYC: Join Food Tank in New York City September 23 – 28 for an exciting New York Climate Week Event Series. On September 23rd, Food Tank will host a NYC Climate Week Kick-Off Summit with The James Beard Foundation at Platform by JBF titled “Restaurants and Farms are Key Solutions to the Climate Crisis.” Liz Neumark, Founder and CEO of Great Performances will sit on a panel conversation, “Restaurants Tackling the Climate Crisis One Bite at a Time” with JJ Johnson, Chef, FIELDTRIP; and Briawn Flower, Chef, BLACKBARN; moderated by Anne McBride, Vice President of Programs, The James Beard Foundation.
• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: Goalkeepers: This year, Goalkeepers invites you to learn about solutions to keep people healthy and nourished in a rapidly warming world. Together, the world must work to ensure better nutrition for all so everyone can reach their full potential.
• World Climate Summit: World Climate Summit 2024 Takes place during Climate Week NYC and in Baku, as the leading side-event at COP29, facilitating public-private partnerships to drive policy, innovation, and investments towards 2030 climate transition targets. 

As we cater these important events, we’re not only providing delicious food but also showcasing how sustainable practices can be integrated into every aspect of event planning.

Our Commitment Moving Forward

At GP, we understand that sustainability is a journey. As we continue to explore new ways to reduce our environmental impact, we remain dedicated to working with clients and partners who share our vision of a more sustainable future.

During Climate Week and beyond, we invite everyone to join us in taking meaningful steps—whether through menu choices, waste reduction, or sourcing decisions—that collectively lead to a healthier planet.