Food Waste from the Perspective of Assessment of Attitudes and Behaviours of Young Consumers

Abstract

The subject of wasting food, as it relates to the reduction of losses and waste, holds an important place in European Union and United Nations agendas. Constant monitoring of the causes of this phenomenon among consumers is very useful in its prevention. It enables modifying and properly targeting educational campaigns and shaping social norms. The aim of this study was to examine the attitudes and behaviours of young consumers in relation to wasting food. The study was conducted in 2021–2022 among young consumers studying at universities (n = 507), using the indirect on-line survey measurement method. The results demonstrated that planning rational purchases helps limit food waste in this consumer group. Young consumers carefully purchase products, which may be a consequence of limited budgets. The study has shown that before making purchases, the majority always check their current food supplies, try to limit food waste in their household and try not to throw away any foodstuff. Additionally, the study has shown that a major part of the them know and apply various methods of using leftover food to prepare simple, multi-ingredient dishes. The results presented in this paper may indicate that the wastage-related educational campaigns conducted in Poland are effective.