Food for thought

Food waste is a well-known contributor to climate change.

But did you know that it also has a massive impact on a range of other environmental factors, from air pollution to the loss of plant and animal life across the globe?

Our new Food for Thought infographic sheds light on this, and on the key findings from a raft other new research findings on food waste. These reports cover areas like:  

• The psychology and beliefs that affect why food is wasted.
• New research on meal planning behaviours and how these can reduce waste.
• In-depth studies into how much we waste and the reasons for it.  

‘Food for Thought’ brings together a wide range of new Zero Waste Scotland research highlights as an infographic report, giving you the headline findings from a range of new publications in a quick fix. There’s links to each of the main reports inside, so we encourage you to check out the highlights, but also dig deeper into the main reports for the full picture as well.  

It shows the scale of the problem, new evidence on ways we can make progress, and  the need for collaborative action to tackle it. 

‘Food for Thought’ sets out a number of key findings around food waste: 

The research also identifies previously unquantified intervention opportunities – moments where behaviour change is more likely and impactful – such as beginning retirement and kids leaving home. 

Zero Waste Scotland is leading on the development of a household intervention plan for food waste reduction on behalf of the Scottish Government.

The plan will be developed with behaviour change at its core.  Working with key partners and stakeholders, the plan will outline realistic, household-focused interventions designed to reduce food waste.  

Want to find out more? Read some of the research behind 'Food for Thought':