What are the factors that an opportunity sample of UK students insinuate as being associated with their wastage of food in the home setting?

Abstract

The aim of this research was to investigate the factors that influence student awareness and behaviour associated with food waste. The study is exploratory in nature and the qualitative research approach contextualises personal accounts of food waste awareness and behaviour. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with students (n=50) from 12 households, who were enrolled at a UK university. Qualitative data was collected and thematically analysed using Microsoft NVivo 11 and a thematic map developed to firstly postulate how students’ awareness and behaviour associated with food waste is influenced and secondly to support further study in this area. In order to tackle the issue of students’ food waste, measures to increase awareness of food waste and improving design of kitchen environments should be adopted. However the latter is often not possible in short-term rented accommodation. The research contributes to the existing area of research and provides additional evidence for the factors that influence students’ food waste behaviour.