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Young People Are Not All the Same! The Theory of Planned Behaviour Applied to Food Waste Behaviour across Young Italian Generations

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  • Mauro Viccaro

    (School of Agricultural, Forest, Food, and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy)

  • Adele Coppola

    (School of Agricultural, Forest, Food, and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy)

  • Maria Consiglia D’Angelo

    (School of Agricultural, Forest, Food, and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy)

  • Francesco Genovese

    (School of Agricultural, Forest, Food, and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy)

  • Severino Romano

    (School of Agricultural, Forest, Food, and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy)

  • Mario Cozzi

    (School of Agricultural, Forest, Food, and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy)

Abstract

To reach the SDG 12.3 target, understanding food waste behaviour (FWB) is fundamental, especially among young people. As future generations of parents, leaders, and citizens, they might potentially solve food sustainability issues and other matters arising from food waste. In such a context, this study extends the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) by including personal norms and environmental concern to explain and to predict the FWB of young Italians who belong to Generation Y and Generation Z. The theoretical model was empirically tested by administering a questionnaire to 322 Italian young people and by applying two distinct PLS-SEM models for Generation Y and Generation Z. Our results support not only the main relationship suggested by the TPB model with respect to FWB but also that, in affecting it, personal norms and environmental concern play different roles according to the generations. Understanding the mechanisms through which personal norms and environmental concern translate into reducing food waste is crucial to defining interventions aimed at changing youth behaviour. It could represent a relevant step towards preventing food waste and promoting sustainable management of food chains.

Suggested Citation

  • Mauro Viccaro & Adele Coppola & Maria Consiglia D’Angelo & Francesco Genovese & Severino Romano & Mario Cozzi, 2023. "Young People Are Not All the Same! The Theory of Planned Behaviour Applied to Food Waste Behaviour across Young Italian Generations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-17, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:20:p:14741-:d:1257562
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Amin Wang & Xi Luo & Xiaojun Liu & Yongkai Sun, 2024. "How to Reduce College Students’ Food Waste Behavior: From the Perspective of College Canteen Catering Modes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-28, April.
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    3. Ju Yeon Shin & Eojina Kim & Yoon Jung Jang & Manisha Singal, 2024. "Mindful Choices: Unveiling the Driving Factors behind Consumers’ Intention to Reduce Single-Use Plastic Utensils," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-20, January.

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