Household food waste and pathways to responsible consumer behaviour: evidence from Australia
ISSN: 0007-070X
Article publication date: 21 December 2021
Issue publication date: 1 November 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to stimulate the pursuit of waste-free food consumption and develop guidelines to avoid irresponsible consumer behaviours. In doing so, the paper answers the questions: How much food is thrown away by Australian households? What are the causes of food wasted? And, how motivated are Australian household members to reduce food waste?
Design/methodology/approach
An online survey was completed by a demographically representative sample of 5,272 households in Australia to address these questions. Using the state-wise data set and a structural equation modelling technique, this paper analyses behavioural and socio-demographic factors that influence household food waste in Australia.
Findings
The study identified that inedible food waste was the most common waste that people threw away (69%). The second-largest contribution towards waste came from meal leftovers (44%). The study identified household members not finishing their meal and cooking too much food as the leading causes of food waste from meal leftovers. Furthermore, household food members were unable to identify whether the food was safe to eat, uncertain whether they would eat prepared food that was saved for later consumption and remained confused about when to discard food. Finally, 42% indicated a high level of motivation to reduce food waste, while 34% indicated a moderated level.
Originality/value
This study's findings contribute to the practical challenges associated with the measurement of food waste in households. Further, the study provides insights to policymakers and practitioners to develop customised interventions to reduce household food waste.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The research reported in this study was part of a project funded by Fight Food Waste CRC (FFWCRC), Australia (www.fightfoodwastecrc.com.au). In addition, the authors acknowledge respondents to the survey for their time and contribution.
Citation
Haque, A., Karunasena, G.G. and Pearson, D. (2022), "Household food waste and pathways to responsible consumer behaviour: evidence from Australia", British Food Journal, Vol. 124 No. 11, pp. 3783-3802. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-05-2021-0517
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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