QUIZ IT! An all-generation approach to encourage sustainable food packaging practices

Abstract

There is increasing pressure for consumers to adopt sustainable lifestyles; however, there is widespread confusion and lack of clear information relating to appropriate food packaging disposal. This paper explores quizzes as a strategy to test food packaging disposal knowledge and encourage engagement in UK consumers of varying ages. Three hundred and eleven consumers (4–85 years) completed the food packaging symbols and disposal quizzes at various community-based events. In summary, quiz performance was encouraging; however, it was associated with various knowledge gaps such as symbols (tidyman and green dot) and disposal (cleaning and mixed materials). Positively, nearly 90 % of consumers are interested in modulating future food packaging disposal behaviour; hence, capitalising on such findings is key going forwards. Therefore, the use of quizzes was an effective strategy to engage consumers with appropriate disposal in community settings. Future work should focus on ensuring consumers have access to relevant information coupled with improved recycling infrastructure so that households can easily implement everyday sustainable food packaging behaviour.