A new lens to the understanding and reduction of household food waste: A fuzzy cognitive map approach

Abstract

Food waste generated at the household level is known to be the main contributor to total food waste, particularly in developed regions. Reducing household food waste (HFW), however, is an extremely compelling task as there are many complex and interacting factors behind the HFW behavior. This study aims to address the factors behind the complexity by applying the Fuzzy Cognitive Map (FCM) method. FCM represents a new approach that enables the use of multiple resources, consideration of outnumbered factors, handling of linguistic ambiguities, and scenario analysis. Through FCM, this study aims to develop a more complete model of the complex HFW drivers' system and identify the most influential HFW drivers addressing which is key while designing HFW-reducing interventions. The current study employs a three-stage methodology that utilizes content analysis of scholarly published academic articles and exploits expert opinion to construct an FCM. In the final stage, through scenario analysis, the study tests and reports the effects of each HFW driver and evaluates them based on their potential to reduce HFW. The findings of this research reveal that system concepts A12 (fail to consume what is in the fridge), A2 (excessive purchasing), and A9 (cooking and serving too much) are the most influential practices concerning HFW. While the study suggests innovative approaches that would enable people not to give up their normality to cope with A12, tackling A9 requires challenging the normality, and addressing A2 requires changing food store-related infrastructural elements. Moreover, the study draws attention to the concept C2 (food safety and health concerns) due to its potential to be a disincentive to FW reduction efforts as well as to the concept G1 (lack of knowledge/skill/awareness) which requires special attention to maximize its potential. Finally, the paper offers specific recommendations to practitioners and policymakers and provides future research directions.