Adults' Food Waste and the Effectiveness of a Video Intervention on Increasing Intended Pro-Environmental Behaviors

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 14
  In Poster Session: Environmental Education SIG Poster Session

Abstract

The purpose of this online study is to investigate adults’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to food waste and the effectiveness of a video intervention designed to increase pro-environmental behaviors. The study explored personal food waste habits, understanding and use of date labels, and views on dumpster diving. A sample of 445 participants completed an online survey that included a 33-question pre-test, viewing a 4-minute educational video intervention, and a 13-question post test. Results revealed that despite relatively positive perceptions of food waste behaviors, the participants held misconceptions regarding date labels and held negative connotations regarding dumpster diving. However, after the video intervention, participants significantly improved their knowledge and intended food waste reduction behaviors.

Authors

• Kathleen Fadigan, The Pennsylvania State University - Abington

• Zelnnetta Clark, The Pennsylvania State University - Abington

• Jaclyn Bolton, Penn State University

• Amira Spikes, Penn State University - Abington College

• Visalakshi Vaithianathan, The Pennsylvania State University - Abington