CANBERRA, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Health-conscious consumers are more effective at reducing food waste than those driven by sustainability concerns, new research from the University of Adelaide has revealed.
A survey of 1,030 Australians found that individuals who prioritize nutrition are more likely to plan meals, avoid overbuying, and store food properly, habits that lead to significantly less waste, a press release issued by the University of Adelaide on Tuesday read.
Healthy eaters tend to make mindful food decisions that naturally cut waste, said lead researcher Nguyen Thi Thu Trang from the university's Center for Global Food and Resources.
"Those who prioritize sustainability often focus on choosing environmentally friendly products but do not necessarily translate that concern into waste-reducing behaviours," Trang said.
Australia discards around 7.68 million tons of food annually, costing the economy 36.6 billion Australian dollars and households up to 2,500 Australian dollars each year, said the study published in Resources, Conservation and Recycling.
Trang suggests that public campaigns should reframe food waste reduction as part of a healthy lifestyle, tapping into personal health motivations to drive behavioral change.
"People are often more motivated by personal health benefits than by abstract environmental concerns, so framing waste reduction as part of a healthy lifestyle could be more persuasive," she said.
Linking nutrition to food waste not only promotes healthier eating but also helps households save money and reduce environmental impact, Trang said, adding the key to a more sustainable food system is about "how we manage, prepare, and consume them." ■
