Pizza lovers who want to be shamed before eating now have the opportunity to do so at a Toronto restaurant that’s implemented a virtue-signaling “carbon fee” and a message on every receipt.
The wood-oven pizzeria Goodfellas has mandated the 2% carbon fee, saying that it goes towards Tree Canada’s National Greening Program to offset their carbon footprint.
“What we eat fuels climate change,” the restaurant’s receipts read. “Adding 2% to every restaurant bill to invest in carbon capture will help offset our carbon footprint.”
Goodfella’s website explains further that by supporting Tree Canada’s National Greening Program, they’re aiding in reforestation for areas where forest fires occurred last year.
“In 2023, Canada experienced record-breaking wildfires due to climate change and the impact of global warming. The proceeds from the carbon capture fee will be used to support Tree Canada’s National Greening Program which plants trees in areas that need reforestation.”
Some customers have responded to the new fee by tipping servers at the restaurant less. Moreover, some social media users have declared that they will never step foot in the joint.
Pizzerias may soon have to report emissions to government
Climate Minister Steven Guilbeault recently began investigating the harm that wood-oven restaurants have on the environment, potentially requiring businesses owners to report their emissions annually to the federal government.
The feds’ investigation could end up requiring pizzeria and bagel shop business owners to annually report their carbon emissions, disposals, and recycling activities.
Officials noted that 39% of emissions in Montreal are related to wood-burning ovens.
