Predicting Food Waste Reduction Behavior Using an Extended Theory of Planned Behavior Model

Millions of people are suffering from starvation everyday, yet a significant proportion of edible food is just being wasted. Early interventions to reduce food waste behavior during the formative years of the population may be a potential solution to this problem. This study aims to determine and analyze the predictors of food waste reduction behaviors among university students using an extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model. Multiple regression analysis results show that Food Waste Attitudes, Food Waste Subjective Norms, Perceived Behavioral Control, and Food Waste Knowledge are significant predictors of Food Waste Intentions. The research provides empirical evidence on the value of adding Food Waste Knowledge to the TPB in predicting food waste reduction behavior. Universities can proactively encourage their students to reduce food waste through education and expect positive results in the long run.