Determination of Effective Factors of Food Waste Attitudes of Romanian Consumers

Abstract

Romania has a framework legislation for the reduction of food waste, a framework focused more on the prevention of food waste. Food waste education can be provided by higher education institutions that have an important impact on training and preparing the upcoming next generation for a sustainable economy and developing strategies to encourage activities to reduce food waste. The purpose of this study is to examine the consumption behavior regarding food waste and determine the factors towards attitude regarding food waste. A total of 1119 respondents participated by completing an online questionnaire. To determine the effective variables on each dependent variable and put forward the relations between these categorical variables, CHAID and multiple correspondence analysis were applied. As a result, we were able to condense consumers' perception, attitude and behavior regarding food waste, involvement, and participation in the prevention of food waste of respondents. The results can be used for a new range of offers for university canteens and services addressed to the target group by suppliers. This can also lead to stimulation of the activities of small producers and orientation towards domestic products.