HOW DO UPBRINGING AND EXPERIENCES AFFECT JAPANESE STUDENTS’ ATTITUDES ON FOOD WASTE?

A questionnaire survey was conducted to Japanese university students, on their part-time job experience with food establishments, current and past experience and habits relating to food, and their opinions on food waste. Survey results indicate that instructions at home had the strongest influence in building up students’ attitudes against wasting food at various settings. Instructions at school lunches and taking environmental courses in university contributed to a lesser degree. On the other hand, experience in a food-related job made students more positive about current practice on wasting food. Analysis results also indicated a connection between concerns on “best before” dates and support on the current practice of wastage.