Why do we throw away food? The science of food waste
More than 1.3 billion tons of food are wasted worldwide each year. In Europe alone, 54% of this waste comes directly from households. What if you were told that a significant part of the change can start in your own kitchen?
A recent study conducted in Spain analyzed what leads us to throw away food and what motivates us to avoid it, using a behavioral psychology tool called the Theory of Planned Behavior. Its findings help us understand not only the mistakes we make every day, but also how we can realistically change our habits.
The theory behind the plate
The Theory of Planned Behavior states that for a person to adopt a behavior (for example, avoiding throwing away food), three things influence:
- Attitude: how important it seems to you to avoid waste.
- Social norms: whether the people around you approve of it or not.
- Perceived control: if you believe you can do it easily.
If these three factors are present, you're more likely to have the intention to act... and that intention will turn into action.
Which factors have the greatest influence?
The study surveyed more than 700 people across Spain and found the following:
- Attitude is the most important factor: Those who strongly believe that throwing away food is immoral, costly, or irresponsible are the most likely to try to reduce waste.
- Perceived control is also key: If a person knows how to plan menus, reuse leftovers, or shop wisely, they have an easier time avoiding waste.
- Social norms have less influence: Although feeling watched by family or neighbors can be somewhat motivating, it's not the main driver of change.
How do personal context and habits influence it?
The study also analyzed how certain personal characteristics—such as age, gender, role in the household, or socioeconomic status—can influence behavior regarding food waste. Rather than identifying who is "better" or "worse," the data show that circumstances and daily habits make a difference:
Young people on tight budgets
Especially those responsible for shopping and cooking for the family tend to have a positive attitude and intention to avoid waste. However, the desire to avoid running out of food or taking advantage of deals can lead to overbuying, which sometimes results in products that are not consumed in time.
People with experience in the kitchen
Those with experience in cooking and home organization tend to show greater control over what they buy and consume. This makes it easier for their good intentions to turn into concrete actions: they plan better, reuse leftovers, and are well-versed in the products they have at home.
People with greater purchasing power
On the other hand, people with greater purchasing power, who cook but don't always shop, may have good cooking habits, but don't necessarily feel social pressure to avoid waste. In these cases, individual awareness is often the key to driving real change.
What can we do?
If we want to reduce waste at home, we need more than goodwill. We also need practical skills, clear information, and a change of mindset. Here are some ideas:
- Plan your meals for the week before going to the supermarket.
- Review what you have at home before buying more.
- Learn to use leftovers creatively.
- Know the difference between "use by" and "best before" dates.
- Don't buy just because it's on sale if you're not going to eat it.
- Check your freezer: it's a great ally against waste.
Conclusion
Throwing away food isn't just an environmental or economic problem. It's also a cultural issue, a matter of habits and daily decisions. The good news is that most of us already have the intention to do better. What's often missing is turning that intention into action. With small steps, we can reduce waste, save money, and build a more just and sustainable food system.
Do you dare to start with your next shopping list?
Written by Sara Montaner. We rely on AI technology.