FOOD AND SUSTAINABILITY – ROMANIANS’ EXPECTATIONS

The production, processing and distribution of the food we buy and eat put a strain on the environment and the health of the planet. For this reason, by taking a closer look at our eating habits and reconsidering the food we consume, we can significantly reduce our environmental footprint. Using the data sets from the most recent Special Eurobarometer report, the main goal of this paper is to offer a fresh and updated perspective regarding the food shopping and consumption behaviour of Romanian citizens. To understand the attitudes of Romanians towards food and sustainability, this study aims to uncover what are the main factors that drive food purchases and examine what would help citizens adopt a healthy and sustainable diet. Data analysis revealed that when purchasing food, Romanians put taste, food security and price above sustainability matters. Furthermore, Romanians are more likely to adopt a healthy and sustainable diet for personal reasons (their own health), rather than the protection of the environment. Responses are compared between different sociodemographic groups and with other countries from the European Union. These findings can guide the development of national educational strategies that can limit environmental degradation in Romania and lead to real behavioural changes.