1

ANNUAL
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPETITION

2013

CATEGORY 6: Researched Report (Group)

Food Waste: Behaviour, Attitudes and Efforts

towards reducing it

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Acknowledgements

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to several people who have helped shape this research paper.
Mr. Karan Singh, ADIS School Headmaster, Mrs. Aditi Hazra, and Mrs. Kala Krishnan played an integral role in
guiding us in writing the research paper. Their help was truly invaluable as their voices aided and abetted us to a
great extent.
We would also like to thank the respondents of our survey. Their immense patience while we collected information
from them enabled us to establish the base of the research paper. They provided us with ample information with
respect to their food conservation habits which allowed us to understand the stance of the common man in UAE
against food waste.
Last, but perhaps the most, we would like to thank the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) for providing us an
opportunity to try our hand in this aspect of study. We are thrilled to have taken part in this project and it was EAD
who gave us the opportunity to do so.

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Contents

Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................................................... 1
List of Figures...................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Abstract................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Objectives ............................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Limitations ........................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Data Sources ....................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Methodology ....................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Analysis ............................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Conclusion......................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Recommendations ........................................................................................................................................................... 14
Bibliography ....................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Team Members ................................................................................................................................................................ 16

List of Figures

Figure 1 and Graph 1:

Sample size Diversity Age Groups and
Gender
Graph 2:
Do you check the date on the pack before
buying perishable food items?
Graph 3:
Do you follow recommended storage on
packaged goods?
Graph 4:
Do you store fruits, vegetables and salads in
the original packing that they come in?
Graph 5:
Are you more conscious now than last year,
about the importance of not wasting food?
Fig. 2:
Consumer Food Habits
Graph 6:
Do you feel that you buy more than you
need while shopping?

Page 9

Page 9

Page 9

Page 9

Page 10

Page 10

Page 10

Fig. 3
Reasons for throwing out food

Page 11

Graph 7:
Do you throw away leftovers?

Page 11

Graph 8:
Do you use leftovers to make additional
meals?
Fig. 4:
Does wasting food bother you?

Page 11

Page 11

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Abstract
Food Waste is an underlying problem that greatly adds to other global problems such as global warming. It is
common tendency to equate global warming with fossil fuels, but reports from credible agencies suggest that global
food waste emits more greenhouse gases than most countries.1 Recognizing these facts, we have attempted to look
at food waste from the perspective of an average consumer.
The issues we have tried to address include the attitudes, awareness levels and also the habits of an individual. Using
survey methodology, information has been collected to analyze and deduce from. The problem of food wastage
affects humanity as a whole and each individual action can go a long way in shaping our tomorrow.
From the data collected, respondents are well versed with product guidelines and storage requirements. The level of
awareness and attention food waste requires is present. But, further data suggests that aware consumers do not
necessarily equate to responsible consumers. Food going rotten is the most common reason due to which food is
wasted. Issues pertaining overbuying, and food waste at home have been addressed along with attitude analysis to
give a rounded view of the issue.
Recognizing that the conditions are not yet perfect, steps to bring in change have been provided. We have
attempted to include the opinions of our respondents regarding this issue, and their suggestions range from assuming
more responsibility to tips to follow when going food shopping. Most respondents think that the government and
the responsible agencies can change the situation. Attempting to address the overall situation, we have suggested
methods to increase awareness and rekindle anti-food waste initiatives.

http://www.fao.org/docrep/018/i3347e/i3347e.pdf

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Introduction
The issue of Food Waste commands importance for inequality maligns the distribution of a resource so basic.
Countries of the 21st Century find themselves grappling with environmental problems and poverty, a toxic mix of
basic resources and economics. Food waste is the byproduct of such inefficiency. Roughly one third of the food
produced in the world for human consumption every year approximately 1.3 billion tonnes gets lost or
wasted. This inevitably also means that huge amounts of the resources used in food production are used in vain, and
that the greenhouse gas emissions caused by production of food that gets lost or wasted are also emissions in vain. 2
Realizing that Food Waste is a problem that is among the contributing causes of other problems such a global
warming, it is necessary to tackle it and recognize attitudes towards it.

In the global struggle to control food waste, success can be guaranteed through mobilization of the masses and
increasing efficiency of the distribution system. Awareness campaigns have played a decisive role but how far have
conditions changed for the better or the worse. Have consumers stopped to think and reflect on the issue of food
waste? Have marketers realized that food is more than another economic good? What are the consumer
attitudes towards food waste? These questions are at the centre of attention. When we narrow our focus and take
in the data available pertaining food waste in the UAE, the data astounds: According to a YouGov survey conducted
last year, 78 per cent of respondents in the UAE admitted that they throw away food each week. Worse, nearly
two-thirds (65 per cent) believed their food waste had no or little consequence on the environment.3 It must be
agreed that the consumer plays an important role, when the issue of food waste is concerned

Through this Research paper, we wish to attempt to answer the big questions regarding food waste using methods
of gauging consumer attitudes and taking into account the efforts to reduce food wastage as well. Through the data
collected and also represented, we have attempted to solidify and take an unbiased stance on this issue. Food Waste
is a problem we contribute to, consciously or sub-consciously but its repercussions shall be faced by all and this
research paper documents the essence of this inevitability.

http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/sustainability/index_en.htm

http://fridaymagazine.ae/features/the-big-story/food-for-thought-1.1246739

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Objectives

This Research Paper on the topic Food Waste: Attitudes, Behaviour and Efforts towards Reducing it is guided by
the following objectives:

1. To gauge public opinion and analyze the attitude towards food wastage using the method of a questionnaire.
The data obtained shall be compiled to form graphs and analyzed.
2. To understand the message of food conservation, highlight the problem of food wastage and take note of
steps taken to conserve food by individuals.
3. To collect information from various sources regarding Food Waste in the UAE and contrast it with the
situation in Abu Dhabi.
4. To attack the problems that lead to food wastage and to provide a comprehensive set of solutions for the
same. Viable alternatives shall be suggested so as to further kindle anti-food wastage initiatives.

Limitations

1. Sample Size: The compilation and validity of the data was affected by the small sample size consisting of 46
participants. This limited the amount of primary data to draw conclusions from. This problem could have
been alleviated if the distribution of the questionnaires was better planned.
2. Questionnaire: An effective questionnaire would be one with a specific distribution of two types of
questions: open ended questions and close ended questions. The questionnaire which we prepared did
not manage to establish this balance. It had the problem of being too heavy when it came to the number of
questions and also had a few questions that did not contribute to the research. This problem could be
prevented if the objectives could have been more clearly defined.
3. Clarity: A research paper must be simple and should be able to communicate its message with ease. Our
research paper has a few rough ends when looked at from this aspect. There is a certain amount of deviation
that occurred in between, that prevented our point from being fully expressed. However, we treat this
paper as learning experience and doing this research paper has taught us more than any source.

Data Sources

Graphs.xlsx Primary Data

1. http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/sustainability/index_en.htm
2. http://fridaymagazine.ae/features/the-big-story/food-for-thought-1.1246739
3. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/25/save-money-on-groceries_n_3965068.
4. http://www.stopfoodwaste.ie/food-we-buy/storage-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/
5. http://www.unep.org/wed/quickfacts/
6. http://greatist.com/health/how-to-ways-reduce-food-waste
7. http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/196377/icode/
8. World Agriculture: Towards 2010 (an FAO Study)

Methodology

For this study, two public hotspots in the capital of UAE, Abu Dhabi, were mainly targeted- Al Wahda Mall and Abu
Dhabi Mall. Our team visited these malls, and handed out questionnaires to a diverse set of people. We chose
questionnaires over an interview methodology as they are less expensive and easier to administer than personal
interviews, lend themselves to group administration and, they allow confidentiality to be assured.
Our questionnaire for the public included questions that asked the respondents about their awareness, habits,
reasons and suggestions related to food wastage. The questionnaire aimed at gauging the attitudes of an everyday
consumer towards food retailers and was interspersed with open ended and close ended questions. Also, there was
the presence of specific and general questions which made it necessary to provide the answerer with the option of
not answering a question.
Once collected, we organized our data and created tabulations and graphs based on it. We then contrasted the
situation of food waste in Abu Dhabi, based on our data, with the scenario in UAE. Later, we drew conclusions to
check the validity of our findings by comparing with official surveys conducted by recognized agencies.

At Abu Dhabi Mall

At Al Wahda Mall

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Analysis
The total number of participants who provided us with data is 46. All attempts were made to diversify the age
groups and gender through randomization. Information relating to the participants is well represented through the
graphs given below.

22%

30

18 to 30

24%

25
20

30 to 40
35%

31

15

40 to 50

19%

Gender

35

12 to 18

Age Groups

10

50 and
above

15

5
0
Male

Female

Figure 1 and Graph 1: Sample size Diversity Age Groups and Gender
The questions that attempted to gauge consumer awareness included:
(a) Do you check the date on the pack before buying perishable food items? [Graph. 2]
(b) Do you follow recommended storage on packaged goods? [Graph. 3]
(c) Do you store fruits, vegetables and salads in the original packing that they come in? [Graph. 4]

Do you check the date on the pack before

buying perishable food items?
50
40
30
20

45

10

0
Yes

No

N/A

Graph 2: Do you check the date on the pack before buying perishable food items?
Do you store fruits, vegetables and salads in the
original packing that they come in?

Do you follow recommended storage

on packaged goods?

25
20

50

15

40

10

30
20

19

39

10
0

23

Graph 3: Do you follow recommended0 storage

Yes

No

on packaged goods?

N/A

Yes

No

N/A

Graph 4: Do you store fruits, vegetables and

salads in the original packing that they come in?

When it comes to basic level of awareness on issues that directly impact the consumer such as packaging and
perish ability of food items, the participants of the survey were well versed with product storage
guidelines and also made sure to check production and expiration dates. This observation directly

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correlates with the level of consumer literacy in the city, and is a clear indicator that consumers do not look at
food as a resource that money can continue to provide.
However, when it comes to storage, participants showed a mixed response. Research recommends that the
food be stored in original packaging first and then be stored as per the label directions. The benefits of storing
food in their original packaging are many due to their enhanced nature for food preservation. This is an area
which can be improved upon and more consumers must be informed about these stats. (4)
40
30
20

32

10
0
Yes

No

N/A

Graph 5: Are you more conscious now than last year, about the importance of not wasting food?
The above question attempted to gauge the success of awareness campaigns in reaching out to people. The data
suggests that 82% of the participants who answered the question have begun to notice food wastage,
and have begun to value it without the cover of economics, which reiterates the previous observation. The
Environment Agency Abu Dhabi has been playing a dominant role in heading awareness campaigns regarding this
issue, and this data is a clear indicator of successful message dissemination.
Majority of the participants (72%) of our survey buy groceries on a weekly basis, with the second largest share
consisting of just less than a quarter of respondents, preferring to buy
daily. The rest stocked groceries on a monthly basis. These food
Frequency of Grocery Shopping
buying habits of consumers suggest that majority of the consumers
try to gauge their food needs for a week. This data has a ring of
4%
24%
positivity as research recommends such a schedule.5
Daily
Fig.72%
2: Consumer Food HabitsWeekly
Monthly

However, more than half of our respondents (64%) feel that they
tend to buy the right amount of food regardless of the interval in
between. Analyzing this piece of data, the interval between food
shopping doesnt make maximum difference when
overbuying is concerned.
40
30
20
10

16

29
1

0
Yes

No

N/A

Graph 6: Do you feel that you buy more than you need while shopping?

http://www.stopfoodwaste.ie/food-we-buy/storage-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/25/save-money-on-groceries_n_3965068.

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Expired

It must be remembered overbuying food, does necessarily mean that

the excess food is wasted. Therefore, our respondents were asked
on what reasons drove them to discard food which is represented in
Figure 3.

6% 15%
9%

In spite of the fact, that 98% of the participants check expiry and
production dates of food products, 70% of the respondents have a
tendency to discard expired food. Over here, we can form a link
between different parts of the data. Applying all logic, a consumer
buys a product with expiry dates in mind, and discards it
because it expires, which can only mean that the consumer
overbuys and wastes.

New
foodstuff
70%

Other

Don't
waste
food
Fig. 3: Reasons for wasting food

This also allows us to conclude that an aware consumer need not necessarily be a responsible consumer.
When it comes to food offers given out by most food retailers, 61% of the participants say that they have availed 2
for 1 offers. And, 75% of the people who made use of these offers managed to use the product before it expire,
which reflects a sense of accountability on the part of the consumer.
The above facet of the research viewed consumers in buying positions, and the relation between consumers and the
market. But more often than not, food waste is also a phenomenon of the individuals home. According to a YouGov
survey, 15% of the respondents cooked more than there was required and wishing to bring up this issue we included
a few questions.6
Only 24% of our respondents throw away
leftovers and thus contribute to food waste. On
the positive side, using leftovers to prepare
additional meals seems to be the most popular
option
of
reusing
additional
food.
From our sample size, most consumers
realize that the generation of leftovers
after a meal is inevitability, and therefore
attempt to minimize wastage by reusing
it.

Do you throw away

leftovers?

Do you use leftovers to

prepare addidtional meals?
40

40

30

30

20

20

32

10

12

10

35
11

0
Yes

No

N/A

Yes

No

N/A

Graph 7 & 8: Food Wastage at Home

Whether minimizing food wastage is an economic
concern, emotional concern or a mixture of both can only
be decided from Fig. 4.
An overwhelming 89% of respondents show some sign of
worry when it comes to food waste. However, in small
sample size like ours, even a mere 11% could reflect a
much larger proportion if applied to a larger sample size.
From this we can conclude, that there is still scope for
improvement when it comes to spreading awareness
about the right attitudes towards food wastage.

Maximum

2%
9%
26%

Moderate
63%
Minimum
Don't bother
at all

Figure 4: Does wasting food bother you?

6

http://fridaymagazine.ae/features/the-big-story/food-for-thought-1.1246739

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Conclusion
The consumer plays a decisive role in the food supply chain of developed countries. With buying power in hand and
increasing industrialization, food products have been gradually demoted to be valued at the level of mere economic
goods.7 In such a situation, if the role of the consumer is not recognized, all hopes of positive change diminish. But
we have recognized it. And by attempting to do so, we have moved another step forward in tackling the food waste
issue.
Our data has certainly helped our understanding, and can help plan the next steps of action using these general
conclusions as the basis:
1. Basic information regarding food storage is present and a large percentage of consumers (>80%) follow
recommended storage directions and make a note of a food products expiry dates which is a sign that the
fundamentals of the consumers are clear, and the next steps of action can now be executed.
2. Awareness is increasing. Food waste is a problem and it is a must that people recognize its implications.
With more people gaining knowledge, the problem of food waste can be brought to the fore front which will
result in more discussion on this issue. Also, increasing concern towards food waste is noticeable as media
outlets throw light on such issues, thus furthering the cause
3. Overbuying still remains a problem with consumers. The tendency of buying more food than required is
aided by the well stocked aisles in food stores that also can reinforce a false sense of abundance among
consumers. It must be noted that increasing awareness has not co related with more responsibility.
Expiration of food products is a major contributor to food wastage, and 24% of respondents have also
admitted to have thrown away leftovers.

From this it is clear, that though the overall situation seems positive in relative comparison, there is large scope for
improvement. There have been instances where consumers have been caught off guard when asked about what food
waste really was. Discarding even the last sachet of sauce contributes to wastage and as this has been established as
normal practice, many people dont regard this as wastage. The role the government can play in this situation
through stricter laws etc. is what many consumers believe could be the way to solve this problem. Some think that
its complete consumer responsibility while others point a finger at the large corporations.
No matter what the right step is, the fact that consumers have even attempted to approach this problem can only
mean a brighter future and for that - we are all smiles.

http://www.unep.org/wed/quickfacts/

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Recommendations

First let us begin by looking at what the people we had surveyed had to say.
Now, we first asked everyone what we, the people can do to help in the reduction of food waste. Some of the
replies which we received were:
Cook only for what can be eaten, less shopping of foods. I strongly advise for shoppers to eat meal first before going to the
grocery because if youre starving and going to the grocery you tend to shop more of foods which you cant eat
Eat what they buy and buy what they eat
The excess food must be collected and distributed among the needy people
Now, through this and more of the replies we received, it is observable that the people are quite aware of the perils
of food waste. It is also observable that people are aware of the plight of others, which makes food waste an even
greater issue in the world today.
Then, we also asked what the authorities in UAE can do to help eradicate food waste and change attitudes in the
region. The majority (around 80%) believed that the government can do a few things to help attack the issue. Again,
we received a multitude of replies of which some were:
We can make aware of reducing purchase level and advise them to buy the required quantity which is essential.
The matter of food waste should be taken seriously; they should make the general public aware of not wasting or throwing
food
They should make campaigns and increase awareness among people about the importance of food. They should also make
people aware about the millions of people that starve and die because of non-availability of food and water. Serving excessive
amount of salad and other food items which results in excessive wastage should be avoided
They should probably set up stations showing the importance of wasting food
Yes, disciplined disposal systems
Encourage nearby groceries to sell perishable items and not allow them to get sold at supermarkets/hypermarkets. They now
allow and compel customer to not to purchase perishable terms in large quantity.
Here, we saw that more number of people believed that the government is heading in the right direction, and felt
that the best way to tackle this issue is by none other than bringing awareness to this issue.
So, from the primary data which we have received, we can give a few recommendations to improve the attitude
towards food waste, which we ourselves can undertake8.
1.

Donate what you wont use. If youre never going to eat something, you can donate it to a food kitchen before
it expires so it can be consumed by someone who needs it.

2.

Split the dish. If eating out, split a dish with a friend so you dont waste half of the giant portion sizes found at
many restaurants.

http://greatist.com/health/how-to-ways-reduce-food-waste

15
3.

Take home leftovers. Just ask to take leftovers home, and youve got yourself a free lunch the next day. You can
even ask the restaurants to encourage the customers to take the leftovers home.

4.

Share if you have prepared excess food. Gift it to friends, family, or neighbors theyre likely to be grateful for
the saved money and time.

These simple methods, helps change various peoples attitudes towards food waste, and can be an eye-opener for
many. This way, you also change the attitude of your friends towards food waste, and they can replicate the same.
Also, we are also giving recommendations that the authorities may take to help improve the attitudes of people
towards such an issue, and also help in the issue itself9.
1. Increase Awareness. The authorities can begin by creating awareness campaigns such as the one being held right
now, to help increase the consumers knowledge on food waste.
2. Joining producers in the country, together in co-operatives can greatly help in reducing food
losses as it improves the understanding of the market, and increases efficiency. In such a way, it
will also improve the awareness of the producers on the issue and can help change their attitude.
3. Better communication among all participants in food supply chains will be crucial. In particular, there is vast
room for improving communication between suppliers and retailers. Discrepancies between demand and supply
are a major cause of food wastage. Only effective communication between the suppliers and the retailers can
help gauge the attitude and opinion of one another, and can also help create a more direct view to reduce food
waste.
4. As most of the people we surveyed suggested, the authorities may redistribute safe surplus food to those in
need represents "the best option" for dealing with food waste and also help change attitude, argued by a survey
undertaken by the FAO10. At present, the amount of food redistributed to charities that feed people remains a
tiny fraction of the edible surplus food available, due to the fact that such food redistribution faces a number of
barriers. By removing the barriers, we can help change views of many on the issue.

http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/196377/icode/
World Agriculture: Towards 2010 (an FAO Study)

10

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Bibliography
1. http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/sustainability/index_en.htm
2. http://fridaymagazine.ae/features/the-big-story/food-for-thought-1.1246739
3. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/25/save-money-on-groceries_n_3965068.
4. http://www.stopfoodwaste.ie/food-we-buy/storage-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/
5. http://www.unep.org/wed/quickfacts/
6. http://greatist.com/health/how-to-ways-reduce-food-waste
7. http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/196377/icode/
8. World Agriculture: Towards 2010 (an FAO Study)
Team Members
School: Abu Dhabi Indian School

Name: Siddharth Sudhakaran

D.O.B: 17th September, 1998
Grade: 10

Name: Sachin Nilesh Bhatia

D.O.B: 23rd April, 1998
Grade: 10

Name: Amrut Prabhu

D.O.B: 27th March, 1999
Grade: 10

Name: Yashit Maheshwary

D.O.B: 3rd August, 1998
Grade: 10

Name: Thejas Sathish

D.O.B: 4th September, 1998
Grade: 10