Adopting waste-prevention routines: the role of consumer concern for food waste

Food waste is a burning issue, one that is both local and global. Although most consumers hate wasting and do not intend to waste, they still end up wasting food. By focusing on routines that prevent waste rather than on waste behaviours, and by defining and measuring consumer concern for food waste (CFW), this study seeks to address this apparent contradiction. A follow-up to three preliminary studies, this quantitative study proposes a valid and reliable measure of CFW, and examines the links between CFW, the antecedents of this concern, and seven waste-prevention routines. Empirical data reveals two dimensions of CFW that have a very distinct influence on food-related and waste-prevention routines. The first, "individual/interpersonal concern", has a strong relationship with these routines, whereas the second, "global concern", has no significant relationship with them. For researchers, the authors provide a model integrating the antecedents and behavioural consequences of CFW. For both policy makers and managers seeking to reduce food waste at the household level, this research provides recommendations to have an impact on food-waste-related behaviours through individual/interpersonal CFW and its proven antecedents (economic concerns, food involvement, food education).