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Such a Shame! A Study on Self-Perception of Household Food Waste

Author

Listed:
  • Luca Falasconi

    (Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 50, 40127 Bologna, Italy)

  • Clara Cicatiello

    (Department of Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest Systems, University of Tuscia, Via San Camillo de Lellis snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy)

  • Silvio Franco

    (Department of Economy, Engineering, Society and Business, University of Tuscia, Via del Paradiso 47, 01100 Viterbo, Italy)

  • Andrea Segrè

    (Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 50, 40127 Bologna, Italy)

  • Marco Setti

    (Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 50, 40127 Bologna, Italy)

  • Matteo Vittuari

    (Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 50, 40127 Bologna, Italy)

Abstract

Reducing food waste is globally considered as a key challenge in developing sustainable food systems. Although most food waste is generated at the household level, consumers hardly recognize their responsibility, and the factors underpinning their perception of the quantity of food wasted at home are still unclear. This paper aims to fill this gap by analyzing the results of a large-scale survey conducted in Italy. The perceived quantity of household food waste was measured through a Likert scale and analyzed by means of a logistic regression against a set of predictors, including food waste motivations, perception of the effects of food waste, and sociodemographic variables. As expected, the perceived quantity of food waste declared by respondents was very low. Among the main determinants, food shopping habits and the level of awareness about the reasons why food is wasted played a key role. In contrast, the perception of the environmental effects of food waste seemed to be less important. Differences among subsamples recruited in different areas of Italy were detected, suggesting that further studies, as well as awareness-raising policies, should also consider context-related variables.

Suggested Citation

  • Luca Falasconi & Clara Cicatiello & Silvio Franco & Andrea Segrè & Marco Setti & Matteo Vittuari, 2019. "Such a Shame! A Study on Self-Perception of Household Food Waste," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-13, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:1:p:270-:d:195563
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Aschemann-Witzel, Jessica & de Hooge, Ilona E. & Almli, Valérie L., 2021. "My style, my food, my waste! Consumer food waste-related lifestyle segments," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 59(C).
    2. Cicatiello, Lorenzo & Ercolano, Salvatore & Gaeta, Giuseppe Lucio & Pinto, Mauro, 2020. "Willingness to pay for environmental protection and the importance of pollutant industries in the regional economy. Evidence from Italy," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 177(C).
    3. Principato, Ludovica & Secondi, Luca & Cicatiello, Clara & Mattia, Giovanni, 2022. "Caring more about food: The unexpected positive effect of the Covid-19 lockdown on household food management and waste," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 82(PA).
    4. Rocel A. Apolonio∗, 2020. "Behavioral and Demographic Antecedents to Household Food Waste," International Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Dr. Mohammad Hamad Al-khresheh, vol. 6(2), pages 32-43.

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