Circular Economy in the Context of Food Losses and Waste

Abstract

Although consumption is one of the most important elements of any economy, including those that are developing, excessive consumerism is becoming increasingly common today, often resulting in the phenomenon of food waste. Food waste is a multi-aspect issue. It is a topical problem of varying nature and intensity, particularly for the environment, the economy, and society. In this context, efforts were made to emphasize the importance of the idea of a circular economy, due to the fact that the positive effects of its implementation and correct application may be the minimization of the problem of food waste, which can be seen from an economic, social, or environmental point of view. To obtain this goal, consumer research was conducted among the inhabitants of Eastern Poland. Their principal task was to define social attitudes and explain a problem known as household food waste. The results were subjected to the cluster analysis method and correspondence analysis, and the corresponding calculations and figures made it possible to draw conclusions from the research. Consumers seem to be aware of the dilemma of excessive food discarding in their households. They also recognize their active role in preventing this socio-economic problem. Despite the concerns expressed by consumers, food waste is still very high. This may most likely be because of a declarative approach rather than to the actual attitudes of respondents.

Toward a Greener Future: Applying Circular Economy Principles to Saudi Arabia’s Food Sector for Environmental Sustainability

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What Do They Feel, Do, and Expect? The Young Generation’s Perception of Environmental Problems and Sustainable Development Goals in the Context of Quality of Life

“…This shows the empathy and sensitivity of the young generation to other people in the global dimension as well as to the dangers and problems of hunger and social inequalities regardless of their country of origin. On the other hand, another study showed that despite the fact that many consumers seem to be aware of the dilemma of excessive food discarding in their households and recognizing their active role in preventing this socio-economic problem, the food waste is still very high [66].…”

Intrinsic motivation strongly affects the readiness toward circular food consumption: evidence from the motivation–opportunity–ability model

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“…, 2018), the empirical literature interprets CE implementation by using the reduce, reuse and recycle concepts separately and applying them to a such specific activity. Previous literature has spent emphasis on analyzing factors affecting consumers behavior to reduce food waste (Dudziak et al. , 2022; Varese et al.…”