Does household food waste prevention and reduction depend on bundled motivation and food management practices?

Abstract

The paper categorises households based on their motivations and management practices towards reducing food waste, examines the factors that differentiate households that use specific food management practices and motivation bundles, and evaluates the effect of motivations and food management practices on household food waste. Using data from households in the United Kingdom, three bundles of motivation (saving, environmental considerations and emotions) and management practices (plan, inspect and proactive) are elicited. The results show that the single predominant management practice is “inspect” while “environmental considerations” was the most common motivation. We find evidence that different motivation bundles, as well as management bundles are used in a complementary manner. The results show that of the three management bundles, being proactive is more likely to result in reducing food waste. On the other hand, considerations for the environment and negative emotion that arise after food is wasted increases the desire to reduce waste. This study highlights the interdependent nature of motivations and practices and could guide public policy and awareness campaigns for more targeted and effective waste reduction strategies. Targeted public awareness campaigns emphasising the environmental impact of food waste and educational programs integrated into existing initiatives could effectively reduce household food waste in the UK.