Roberta Rosa Valtorta

Postdoctoral Researcher



Department of Psychology

University of Milano-Bicocca



Strategies for household food waste reduction


A thoroughly supported finding in the literature is that food waste has become a significant global issue with serious environmental, economic, and social implications. Recent studies have highlighted that the majority of this waste, approximately 60%, occurs at the household level, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Although there has been progress in understanding the factors contributing to food waste at home, the focus of most research has been on food purchasing and preservation practices.

This line of research aims to develop strategies for reducing household food waste through psychosocial interventions. An ongoing project is exploring the role of encouraging leftover reuse via infographics combined with nudges. By using positive reinforcement and providing information about food waste, the study investigates how such interventions can shape participants' behaviors over time, promoting more sustainable practices.

Additionally, we aim to explore the effectiveness of social media content related to food waste prevention in shaping behaviors and raising awareness on the topic. This research explores how different types of content, such as posts with practical tips, educational messages, and awareness campaigns, can influence individuals' attitudes toward food waste, aiming to understand the potential of social media as a tool for promoting more sustainable consumption habits.

Funding

This project has been funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).


Tools
Translate to