Sustainable Food Production, Consumption, and the Generation of

motivations to purchase food products that can be recycled were primarily based on social and
environmental responsibility. The awareness and concern for landfill space and resource
conservation was a common response.
When asked if the participant was willing to spend more for a product that has
environmentally friendly packaging, approximately half (27 out of 60) of the respondents
reported yes, and just under half (25 out of 60) reported sometimes. Ten percent (6 out of 60) of
the participants reported that would not be willing to spend more for environmentally friendly
packaging. Only 3 of the participants purchase the lowest priced food product, regardless of its
impact on the environment, with 17 reporting that economic incentives were sometimes a factor
in the decision to purchase food products. Research indicates that although consumer beliefs
about the consequences of recycling and waste prevention are mediated through attitudes,
perceived personal costs still have a direct influence on behaviour (Togersen, 1997).
The majority of respondents expressed environmental concern as the incentive to reduce
or avoid food packaging waste. The most common responses were to avoid products that use
excessive packaging, buy bulk foods, bring own bags, purchase products that are made with
recyclable/re-usable packaging, and recycle packaging. Economic motivations were also a
common response as an active method of reducing food packaging waste. Social responsibility
was expressed as a motivation to reduce food packaging waste for some participants by choosing
products responsibly, and purchasing fresh produce from local farmers to avoid excessive
packaging.
Almost all participants (50 out of 60) believe that recycling as a waste reduction strategy
is not enough to reduce food packaging waste. The most frequent suggestions included
increased producer responsibility and consumer awareness. A few (5 out of 60) responded that
they did not know if recycling alone is an effective strategy to reduce packaging waste. Only 2
respondents believed that recycling was sufficient for reducing food packaging waste.
Most respondents (43 out of 60) feel responsible for the waste they generate, while 3
respondents felt in no way responsible. Respondents who didn’t feel responsible for their waste
hold the manufactures and producers accountable for creating the products in the first place.
Numerous strategies were given as suggestions to reduce food packaging waste
commonly falling into environmental, economic and social categories respectively. Many
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