Exploring and understanding the factors of food waste behaviours among undergraduates

Abstract

Food waste is a global issue that has various economic, social, and environmental impact in the world. Developed countries like Singapore, often overlook this global issue despite our high levels of contribution to food waste. Past literature has examined factors of food waste behaviours to understand the factors that indirectly influence individuals to engage in food waste behaviours. In the first part of the study, it aims to examine whether those factors can directly influence individuals’ food waste behaviours. The second part of the study aims to examine the effect of educational and observational learning video in changing individuals’ attitude towards reducing food waste and their intention to change their behaviours. Stepwise regression analysis suggested that factors such as family norm, planning routines and behavioural attitudes are significant predictors in predicting individuals’ food waste behaviours. The study also found that there were no significant differences found between the educational and observational learning videos in changing the individuals’ attitude and their intention to change behaviours. Implications for the study are discussed to explain how the findings can be applied in the societal setting to help minimize the issue of food waste.