# Scrap the Food Waste: An Investigation of the Effect of Sociodemographic Factors and Digital Activism on Food Waste Prevention Behavior

## TL;DR

This study explores how sociodemographic factors and digital activism influence people's behavior in preventing food waste, using data from 390 Italian respondents.

## Contribution

The study introduces a Food Waste Prevention Index and identifies how digital activism and sociodemographic variables affect food waste behaviors.

## Key findings

- Women, rural residents, and individuals with flexitarian or vegetarian diets showed higher food waste prevention behavior.
- Digital activism, such as social media and app usage, was linked to lower food waste prevention behavior.
- Higher Food Waste Prevention Index scores correlated with greater awareness of sustainability topics like circular economy and ethical vegetarianism.

## Abstract

Food waste is a persistent global concern, requiring behavioral and systemic responses from consumers. The current study investigated the effect of sociodemographic factors and digital activism on food waste prevention behavior. Data from 390 respondents living in Italy (65% females, from 18 to 75 years old, grouped into four generations) were collected through an online survey covering these sections: sociodemographic variables, digital activism, knowledge, attitudes, and food waste behaviors. A Food Waste Prevention Index (FWPI) was computed to assess self-reported adherence to waste-reducing practices, and differences across three groups identified through tertiles were tested. Women displayed higher levels of digital activism; Gen Z was the most engaged generation in seeking information about food, while interest in food issues declined with age. Gender, geographical area, and dietary orientation significantly influenced food waste prevention, with women, rural residents, and individuals adopting flexitarian or vegetarian diets tending towards more virtuous behavior (higher FWPI). According to digital activism, less virtuous waste behavior (lower FWPI) was associated with a lower social media and apps usage frequency. Furthermore, higher FWPI individuals self-reported stronger sensitivity to sustainability-related topics such as circular economy, short food chains, and ethical or environmental motivations for vegetarianism. Overall, awareness and digital activism may synergistically foster more responsible food consumption, and targeted communication and digital tools can effectively support household food waste reduction strategies.