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Food Waste and Dynamic Inconsistency: A Behavioral Economics Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Danzer, Alexander M.

    (Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt)

  • Zeidler, Helen

    (Technical University of Munich)

Abstract

This paper examines the link between dynamically inconsistent time preferences and individual food waste behavior. Food waste is conceptualized as unintentional outcome of choices along the food consumption chain. Capitalizing on a nationally representative longitudinal survey from Germany, we construct targeted metrics of food consumption and waste behaviors. We find that more present-biased individuals waste more food. Our study investigates the behavioral mechanism that involves postponing domestic consumption of healthy food despite good consumption intentions, resulting in food spoilage. Studying inconsistencies between grocery shopping and food preparation is pivotal for understanding the significant, persistent amounts of food waste within households.

Suggested Citation

  • Danzer, Alexander M. & Zeidler, Helen, 2025. "Food Waste and Dynamic Inconsistency: A Behavioral Economics Perspective," IZA Discussion Papers 17802, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17802
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    food waste; food consumption; dynamic inconsistency; healthy eating;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • D15 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Intertemporal Household Choice; Life Cycle Models and Saving
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • Q18 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Policy; Food Policy; Animal Welfare Policy

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