Investigating consumer attitudes and behavior towards food waste : evidence from Greek households
Διερεύνηση στάσεων και συμπεριφοράς των καταναλωτών απέναντι στα απόβλητα τροφίμων : στοιχεία από τα ελληνικά νοικοκυριά
View/ Open
Keywords
Ελληνικά νοικοκυριά ; Σπατάλη τροφίμων ; Καταναλωτικές στάσεις ; Καταναλωτικές συμπεριφορές ; Βιωσιμότητα ; Οικιακή σπατάλη τροφίμωνAbstract
Food waste is a major cause of the depletion of the planet's energy resources and the
deterioration of social inequalities. Household food waste accounts for more than half of total
food waste in Europe, while Greece is one of the countries with the highest rates of food waste
in Europe. Identifying the attitudes and behaviours of Greek consumers that lead to food waste
could guide us to find possible solutions to reduce it. A qualitative analysis, summary statistics,
a categorical regression model, and an investigation of research hypotheses were applied to
conduct the research. Data were collected through a survey of a sample of 467 Greek consumers
carried out in November 2022 in the Attica region. The results of the research show that the
demographic characteristics, attitudes and behaviors of Greek consumers at the stage of food
purchase and management as well as their views on sustainability and food security, are
important factors in creating or preventing food waste. Furthermore, in terms of food waste,
fruits, and vegetables are the food products that are most often discarded by consumers. To
reduce food waste, it is necessary for Greek citizens to be properly informed by the state about
the better management of their food and the impact of food waste on the environment and
society.