Throwing it out: Introducing a nexus perspective in examining citizen perceptions of organizational food waste in the U.S. Issue 88 (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hannibal, Bryce; Vedlitz, Arnold
• Is Part Of: Environmental science & policy. Issue 88(2018)
• Page Start: 63
• Page End: 71
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: Water-energy-food nexus -- Food Waste -- Environmental Policy -- Sustainability; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Environnement -- Politique gouvernementale -- Périodiques; Sciences de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Environmental policy; Environmental sciences; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.70561
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2018.06.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-9011

Abstract

Highlights: This research examines concern about food waste and policy preferences to reduce food waste in a nationally representative sample. We examines food waste as an environmental issue in relation to the water-energy-food nexus. The analysis examines individual awareness of the water-energy-food nexus. Nexus awareness is highly predictive of concern about food waste and policy support to reduce food waste. Provides legislative options for policymakers to reduce food waste. Abstract: While advocacy groups and environmentalists have sought to highlight the issue of food waste, relatively little is known about individual citizen concern about food wasted by organizations in the U.S. This paper examines the extent to which individuals are concerned about organizational food waste, and to what extent they would support policies intended to reduce food waste. We also address how food waste reduces efficiencies in the water-energy-food nexus. We use a nationally representative sample of survey respondents to identify the personal characteristics that relate to concern about food waste and to corrective public policies. We expand the use of water-energy-food awareness indexes and examine if nexus awareness influences opinions and policies regarding food waste. Results show that nexus awareness, or awareness of the interconnections between food-water and food-energy, is significantly related to food waste concern and policy preferences to reduce food waste. We conclude with some strategies and policy recommendations on increasing awareness and action to reduce food waste.