Sustainable chemistry and food systems lessons—the same procedure as every year?

Abstract

“Dinner for One,” a short black-and-white video performed in English from the 1960s, has become a cherished tradition in several German-speaking and Scandinavian countries, broadcast on TV every New Year's Eve for decades and gaining newfound popularity on social media among members of Generation Z . The narrative follows a British butler, James, whose employer, Miss Sophie, celebrates her 90th birthday as she has for many years by inviting her closest friends to dinner, though they have long since passed away. When asked by James throughout the dinner “The same procedure as last year?” while soup, fish, chicken, and fruit are being served, each with its corresponding beverage, Miss Sophie replies, “The same procedure as every year.” But although it may be beloved as a work of comedic fiction, the same procedure as every year, the “business as usual” approach, is not sustainable in the real world when it comes to the food on our plates.