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Finding an Appetite for Reducing Food Waste: Determinants of Commercial Food Waste Management and Diversion in Alberta
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- Author / Creator
- So, Farrah WY
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Considerable quantities of food waste have been observed globally and minimizing it has the potential to generate significant reductions in the environmental burden of the agri-food sector. The commercial food sector contributes substantially to food waste generation, so understanding the motivations for reducing food waste in this sector is of importance. Pro-environmental behaviours in businesses, have been shown to be influenced by managers' environmental concern, altruism, incentives, and corporate support. However, other factors that may motivate the adoption of strategies to prevent and divert food waste, such as demographic factors, economic beliefs, and collaborative beliefs, have not been addressed in the literature. The aim of this thesis is to investigate factors that influence commercial food businesses in Alberta to engage with behaviours that can reduce waste, firstly by examining the commercial food waste landscape and determining significant demographic and psychological variables that influence behaviour adoption, and secondly by identifying collaborations and policy options that could support food waste reduction. A questionnaire was used to survey representatives from food establishments in Alberta. Binary, fractional, and ordinal probit models were used to analyze the relative contributions of independent variables. Subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, intention, environmental beliefs, collaborative beliefs, business size, and years of experience increased the probability of adopting certain measures to address food waste. Business location influenced the reported amount of food waste produced and the percent of food waste sent to landfill, with businesses in Calgary tending to report the lowest rates. Stronger economic beliefs positively influenced the percent of food waste sent to landfill. Respondents seemed sensitive to financial considerations, showing a low willingness to pay for waste diversion services and perceiving monetary incentives as the most effective instrument to reduce food waste compared to recognition, collaboration, and information provision. There is an opportunity for improvement when it comes to preventing and diverting waste in Alberta. A high level of awareness of waste and a large percentage of respondents being interested in diversion methods indicates that businesses would likely be interested in these solutions if they become available, as long as they are considered cost-effective. This work hopes to contribute to pro-environmental literature and knowledge for policy and industry.
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- Subjects / Keywords
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- Graduation date
- Fall 2022
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- Type of Item
- Thesis
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- Degree
- Master of Science
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- License
- This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Library with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.