Environmental Concerns

http://www.rimag.com/article/CA6553969.html

It isn’t surprising that former Vice President Al Gore is a boomer (born March 31, 1948) because his generation is a driving force behind the green movement. Boomers’ greatest impact on foodservice over the next few years likely will come from their championing eco-friendly operations, sustainable foods and health-and-wellness efforts.

More than one-third (36.8%) of boomers agree or strongly agree that "living a green lifestyle is important to me and my family," according to R&I’s 2007 Tastes of America Study. Smaller percentages of Gen Y and Gen X (ages 27 to 41) respondents say they pursue a green lifestyle. Boomers are most likely to say they purchase eco-friendly products.

A plurality (44.7%) of boomers disagree or strongly disagree with the statement, "Green practices have little to do with restaurants," and a majority (51.5%) say that restaurants should let customers know when green products are offered.

A larger percentage of boomers than of members of other age groups say it is important that restaurants serve locally grown and sustainable foods, according to the Tastes of America research. And 21.9% of boomers say they are willing to spend more for local/sustainable/green products, compared with 17% of Gen Y and 21.6% of Gen X respondents.

A higher percentage of boomers (21.1%) than of Gen Y or Gen X diners say they make a sustained effort to eat healthfully at restaurants. But, being boomers, they’re impatient about being served: 23.1% say they won’t dine at a restaurant if it means waiting for a table.

Source: http://rimag.com