Exploring the Interplay of Pro-Environmental Attitudes, Dietary Choices, and Packaging Preferences: A Virtual Reality Restaurant Scenario Study

Ana Rita Farias (), Hakan Lane, Jayanna Killingsworth, Julia M. Warden and Sara Wais
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Ana Rita Farias: Digital Human-Environment Interaction Lab–HEI-Lab, Lusófona University, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
Hakan Lane: Data Mining Group, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55130 Mainz, Germany
Jayanna Killingsworth: Sustainability Education, Prescott College, Prescott, AZ 86301, USA
Julia M. Warden: Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
Sara Wais: Independent Researcher, Birmingham B36 0PB, UK

Challenges, 2023, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: This research paper delves into the complex relationship between pro-environmental attitudes, dietary preferences, and packaging choices using a Virtual Reality (VR) restaurant scenario. The imperative is to address environmental concerns, particularly plastic waste and greenhouse gas emissions, as they pertain to sectors of the food service sector. This study seeks to understand the factors influencing environmental attitudes and behaviors, with a focus on dietary preferences and packaging choices using a VR restaurant scenario. This study explores connections between gender, education, interventions, and pro-environmental attitudes, as well as the correlation between vegetarian diets and sustainable behaviors. While the results suggest significant correlations between gender and pro-environmental attitudes and a potential connection between adopting vegetarian diets and pro-environmental attitudes, our study emphasizes the nuanced nature of these relationships. The findings underline the importance of interdisciplinary research and strategic interventions for fostering sustainable behaviors and reducing environmental impact. The use of VR simulation adds a novel dimension to understanding individuals’ choices in controlled environments, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of pro-environmental decision making. This paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable behavior by offering insights into the interplay between personal preferences, environmental awareness, and choices with significant environmental implications.

Keywords: pro-environmental attitudes; dietary choices; packaging preferences; Virtual Reality (VR) simulation; food service industry (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A00 C00 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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