Ethical products pay off, says pub founder

Rampersad operates the Green Vic, a pop-up pub in Shoreditch, east London, which claims to be “the world's most ethical pub”.

The pub only stocks goods from suppliers that have a sustainable agenda or support good causes, from toilet paper to beers, he told delegates at the conference yesterday (Thursday 13 February).

Its drinks list features brands that help more than 40 different charities or causes, such as a beer that helps protect bumblebees.

He said: “We just like to be real, put everything in black and white, people see where the money is going. They are a bit more expensive than your household names but I manage to make it work.

“There’s loads of things out there – the full shebang really.”

Hours and hours

Quality reigns supreme as a factor to prioritise, Rampersad explained. He outlined how the pub uses wheat straws that “drink just as good as a plastic straw.”

He explained: “Finding suppliers takes a long while actually – hours and hours. But knowing you have found the right thing – like our straws – then that’s it.”

Speaking of ethical suppliers and products, he said: “You get so many varieties. At the moment, I’m looking for the best disposable cup out there. It does take a long while but it is worth it.

“I’m happy for people to take ideas from my menu, spread the love.

“Whatever you’re passionate about – it’s up to you what you want to do about it.”

He said his prices were still reasonable and his customers say they would be happy to pay more for ethical products.