Drivers That Affect Households to Reduce Food Waste: A UK Qualitative Study

Cathrine V. Jansson-Boyd () and Cari-lène Mul
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Cathrine V. Jansson-Boyd: School of Psychology and Sport Science, Anglia Ruskin University, East Road, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK
Cari-lène Mul: School of Psychology and Sport Science, Anglia Ruskin University, East Road, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 5, 1-11

Abstract: Individual households make significant contributions to food waste. Combating this waste would allow for better food distribution globally that can help combat global hunger. As there is currently a limited understanding as to why people waste food, we conducted semi-structured interviews with people that had taken part in a food waste reduction study, to explore drivers that contribute to reduced food waste within UK homes. Using a thematic analysis, four themes were identified based around the importance of thinking about food waste, having a flexible approach to food waste, as well as being emotionally engaged in food waste reduction processes. It was also explored if others have a role to play in whether people try to reduce their waste; however, contrary to previous findings, such a notion was not supported here. The implications of the findings are discussed.

Keywords: food waste reduction; households; cognition; social influence; subjective norms; emotions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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