Minimalism to combat food waste: A study on minimalism and its effects on food waste in Dutch households
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2023-06-23
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en
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In this research, the influence of minimalism on household food waste is studied. Throughout the entire food supply chain, a third of the food produced for human consumption is wasted. In developed countries, the largest amount of this waste occurs within households. To contribute to the existing body of knowledge, the potential of the lifestyle of minimalism is studied. The lifestyle’s core thought is to live a life with only the items that fulfil a purpose, which reduces their level of consumption and increases their emotional well-being. To investigate the influence of minimalism on household food waste, seven interviews, six blogs and four TED Talks regarding minimalism and household food waste were held and analysed. This resulted in a guide with practical tips to reduce household food waste within five different stages; planning, shopping, storing, preparing and consuming. More importantly, the data revealed a correlation between the sense of responsibility and their according behaviour. Regardless of the underlying motivation of minimalism or what sparked their sense of responsibility, the minimalists acknowledged their influence on food waste and created habits to reduce their waste. Therefore, future research on household food waste should take this driver of behavioural change into account.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen