THE GREEN CREDIT SYSTEM

If Tesla can rack billions, why not us?

So I read that Tesla makes most of its profit from selling carbon credits to other auto manufacturers, I am not talking about a few hundreds bucks here and there- I am talking billions of dollars. In fact Tesla has a big chunk of its business model in the world of offsetting other companies' vices.

“In the nine months though September 2024, 43% of Tesla’s $4.8 billion in net income came from selling regulatory credits to other carmakers…” says Bloomberg.

So I really cannot see why we should not apply the same system to our world of restaurants. And How Vegan Restaurants Could Become the Teslas of the Dining World

Picture this: a world where your favourite vegan café isn’t just serving up delicious plant-based meals but is also raking in "green credits" for saving the planet—credits they can sell to steakhouse giants and burger joints. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, buckle up, because this could be the future of food, and it’s every bit as exciting as it sounds!

Imagine a system where vegan restaurants, with their low carbon footprints and planet-friendly menus, earn credits for their environmental heroics. Meanwhile, traditional restaurants—those still serving up planet- animals-impacting ingredients—could buy these credits to offset their environmental toll. It’s like Tesla’s carbon credit model, but for your dinner plate. And just like Tesla, this system could spark a revolution—one that’s good for the planet, great for business, and delicious for all of us.

This Idea Sizzles in my head because there is a real Planet-Saving/ Animal-Saving Potential: Let’s face it—the food industry is a major player in climate change. Meat and dairy production alone account for a whopping chunk of global emissions. By incentivising plant-based dining, this system could slash the food industry’s carbon footprint faster than you can say “avocado toast.”

It would bring Cash for Creativity because Vegan restaurants could turn their sustainability into a revenue stream, selling credits to fund even more innovation. Think plant-based Thermidor, carbon-neutral Choux a la Creme, or zero-waste fine dining. The possibilities are endless!

It would give a little Nudge for the Meat Industry too because just as carbon credits pushed automakers to invest in electric vehicles, green credits could nudge traditional restaurants to rethink their menus. Imagine steakhouses offering mouthwatering plant-based specials or burger joints swapping beef for fermented beetroot patties. It’s not just good for the planet—it’s a culinary adventure waiting to happen (ok maybe I am getting a little over enthusiastic here :)

Most importantly, it Empowered Consumers because with green credits, diners could make choices that align with their values. Imagine scanning a menu and seeing a “green credit certified” badge next to your favourite dish. It’s a win-win: great food and a clear conscience.

A recipe for success?

• Step 1: Measure the environmental impact of restaurant menus—carbon emissions, water use, land use, you name it. Vegan and plant-based spots would earn credits for their low-impact offerings.

• Step 2: Animal-based restaurants that exceed environmental thresholds buy these credits, creating a financial incentive for sustainability.

• Step 3: Use the revenue from credit sales to fund innovation—think plant-based culinary schools, sustainable sourcing initiatives, or even urban farms on restaurant rooftops.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room (or maybe the canard on the plate).

Could this system just let traditional restaurants off the hook, allowing them to buy credits without making real changes? It’s a fair question. After all, some automakers have been accused of relying too heavily on carbon credits rather than cutting emissions.

But here’s the twist: with the right design, this system could be a game-changer. By making credits expensive enough to hurt the bottom line, we could push animal-based restaurants to innovate. Imagine a world where every burger joint has a plant-based superstar on the menu, not because they have to, but because it’s good for business.

A future Worth Fighting For

Imagine walking into a restaurant in 2030. The menu is a mix of plant-based delights and sustainably sourced classics. The chef proudly tells you the restaurant is “green credit certified,” and you know your meal is helping to save the planet and has not impacted the lives of any conscious animal. Meanwhile, vegan spots are thriving, using their credit revenue to push the boundaries of culinary creativity.

This isn’t just a pipe dream—it’s a vision worth fighting for. And the UK, with its bold climate goals and innovative spirit, could be the perfect place to start. By pioneering a green credit system for the food industry, we could set a global example, showing the world that sustainability and delicious dining go hand in hand.

Let’s Make It Happen Sir Keir!

So, what do you say? Shall we rally behind this idea, push for policy changes, and build a future where every bite we take is a step toward a greener and kinder planet. Whether you’re a vegan foodie, a carnivore with a conscience (or going to be), or just someone who loves a good meal, this is a future we can all get behind.

After all, if Tesla can revolutionise the auto industry, why can’t vegan restaurants revolutionise the food world? Let’s turn this dream into reality—one green credit at a time.

So this is the letter I am sending to 10 Downing Street- hopefully, someone with ethic is still working there and can call me back to arrange a meeting with the Prime Minister. I am free any day of the week……