Waste is a Failure of the Imagination: Building Kitchens for the Future

Douglas McMaster is a British chef, restaurateur, and sustainability pioneer best known as the founder of Silo, the world’s first zero-waste restaurant.

He discusses his ‘Silo’ Model and how he has created a closed loop system that has revolutionised modern kitchens and restaurants. Douglas is on a mission to eliminate waste on every level–from ingredient sourcing and food preparation to interior design and the way food is served.

About the Chef

Douglas McMaster is a chef and owner of Silo London. At a young age, Doug was awarded ‘Britain’s Best Young Chef’ by the BBC. Some years later he was awarded Britain’s most Innovative chef by the ‘Young British Foodies’ (YBFs). More recently Doug was recognised by ‘The World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ as one of the ‘young people shaping the future of gastronomy.’

Before opening Silo, Doug worked at some of the world’s best restaurants including St. John, The Fat Duck and Noma. In 2012, Doug worked under the legendary artist and Zero Waste visionary Joost Bakker, who challenged Doug to ‘not have a bin’. He then went on to present a TEDTalk titled ‘Waste Is A Failure Of The Imagination’ and has become a public speaker on the future of food.

In 2014, Doug opened Silo, the first Zero Waste restaurant, described by Doug as a ‘pre-industrial food system.’ Silo has won awards for ‘Britain’s Most Ethical Restaurant,’ and ‘Britain’s Most Innovated Restaurant’ at the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards. Doug is also a regular lecturer and faculty member for the MAD Academy, where he inspires the next generation of leaders to think differently about food systems, waste, and the industry at large.