Beyond the zero waste restaurant | Matt Stone | TEDxAuckland

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Matt explains how he reduces waste in his restaurants to zero and in turn makes the food, eco system and community better.
Arguably one of the hottest chefs on the Australian dining scene, it’s not rare for foodie fans of Matt’s to book tables 3-months in advance at Sydney’s Stanley St. Merchants where he’s head chef, or queue 100m down the street at Greenhouse, a Perth eatery which was named Restaurant of the Year in 2010.
Matt’s an Aussie that’s serious about food and sustainability - if it can’t be sourced locally, it’s not on the menu. Greenhouse, Australia’s first all-recycled restaurant is a place where foodies can touch natural materials, understand where everyday fresh food comes from and taste food straight from the garden.
When Matt’s not in the kitchen, he’s a regular face on TV and billboards, enthralling audiences on MasterChef Australia, Iron Chef Australia, and on his own TV show, Aussie Recipes that Rock, a series that is aired in over 40 countries.
In 2011, Australian Gourmet Traveller named him Best New Talent.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@marysata6799]

Thank you for pushing through building a sustainable lifestyle. I am trying to live a sustainable lifestyle today and have been concious about my wastes these days. Hope to see that concept here in our country.

[@michele5861]

This an amazing concept, congratulations for running with this idea this makes you a true HERO.

[@Rinkul]

You know you can recycle the water you use for washing veggies and dishes (not the soapy water of course). And use the leftovers to feed chickens, then use those chickens on your menu.

[@AdamShaiken]

A wonderful concept that you have brought to fruition. Please, be fruitful and multiply this exponentially across the planet and we may yet find a way to live in harmony with mother earth and each other!

[@floriswou]

What is the closed loop composting machine called?

[@melovescoffee]

You know what you should do? Open another one and call it 'the gnarly cucumber' and cook only with the 'ugly' but perfectly edible vegetables the farmers would be forced to dump because it looks less than perfect. You're welcome.

[@vegansauce685]

Very cool and inspiring! One thing I'd like to suggest, if you aren't already doing it, is to make the cuisine as vegan as possible. Animal agriculture is one of the most wasteful and polluting industries and oftentimes, people who go zero waste do not account for that upstream waste. I know you use waste animal products from other restaurants and I actually encourage doing that instead creating a new demand for animals from farms. Reducing animal product consumption can also significantly improve health, is more compassionate to the animals, and can feed more people in the world (even more so than the effect of reducing consumer food waste). I believe all of these align with your values. As a restaurant, there is a large opportunity for you tap into the talent of your wonderful chefs to show the world how delicious and fun vegan food can be and this can ultimately influence individuals to consider eating vegan meals more often.

[@motionistass]

vegansauce ✌✌👍👍👍

[@smexyNiallHoran]

That's exactly what I was thinking. If you are trying to be as zero waste as possible then vegan is the way to go. Was very surprised that it wasn't vegan as it's contradictory in many ways.

[@ulalaFrugilega]

more power to ye!

[@Studio8M]

Good high-qualitybackground music also plays a big role for revenue. What do you think?

[@mishunman]

Is this a multi-level Pynchon reference?

[@smexyNiallHoran]

Awesome video! love that you are reducing waste. One tip though, go vegan lol. If you are truly trying to reduce as much waste as possible then veganisn is the best, easiest, and most ethical way. The amount of environmental waste that is created by animal agriculture is astronomical. Just a thought. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@Jollybeans-ut6vw]

without going vegan,even zero waste management is of no use!

[@josephtarbox3131]

He is reaching people who aren’t yet sold on vegan which makes him useful. He is taking a chunk out of the problem.

[@yani7nov]

Terrible video. I’d like to see pictures of his work, not him, not the hall.

[@isakvlarsson]

firs- oh wait, noone cares