AUSTRALIA | New research from not-for-profit organisation End Food Waste Australia, released during Food Waste Action Week this month, reveals a significant shift in Australians’ attitudes and behaviours towards food waste.
The findings show that 90 percent of Australians now agree they have a responsibility to help reduce food waste, with four in five households recognising their own ability to make a difference.
Six months after the launch of The Great Unwaste — a national campaign designed to encourage households to cut food waste — the data highlights promising behavioural changes. More Australians are now planning meals, sticking to shopping lists, and preparing more appropriate portion sizes.
The research shows a notable rise in those planning ‘leftover nights,’ with 78 percent of respondents now intending to incorporate this practice into their weekly routines, up from just 50 percent. Additionally, intentions to follow recommended portion sizes have increased from 42 percent to 65 percent.
Dr Mark Boulet, food waste behavioural expert from BehaviourWorks Australia, highlighted the campaign's impact: "The signs are encouraging that The Great Unwaste is helping people reframe food waste reduction as something achievable rather than overwhelming. One of the strongest indicators of behaviour change — intended action — has skyrocketed," he said.
He added, "By focusing on realistic, flexible solutions, more Australians are seeing the benefits of wasting less and saving more. Small daily changes, like checking who’s eating before cooking and sticking to portion sizes, quickly become habits that drive long-term change."
Mandy Hall, Campaign Director for The Great Unwaste, stressed that reducing food waste is an opportunity for the whole household to get involved: "No one likes throwing food — or money — in the bin. The Great Unwaste shows that cutting food waste doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or fun. Learning to love your leftovers and planning meals for the week are chances to get creative, cook smarter, and enjoy food even more," she said.
While the campaign aims to reduce household food waste by 20 percent by 2030, the research acknowledges that challenges remain. Households produce more food waste than any other part of the supply chain, accounting for 32 percent. Key barriers include the perceived time needed to change habits (42 percent) and forgetting to plan meals (17 percent).
End Food Waste Australia and The Great Unwaste campaign encourage more Australians to join the movement by visiting www.thegreatunwaste.com.au and sharing success stories on Instagram @thegreatunwaste.
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