ABSTRACT
Household food waste generation is difficult to measure accurately, which can limit our ability to identify the causes of and prospective solutions to this socio-environmental issue. Available research indicates that there is variability in the amounts and types of food wasted in diverse households and locales, and the treatment of these organic wastes also varies widely. There are some indications that household food generation is impacted by socio-demographic factors, individual behaviours, and emotional and value-based associations with wasting food. However, these are complex phenomena and the evidence does not reveal clear associations. Furthermore, many of the waste-related decisions and strategies implemented at the household level are influenced by systemic-level factors that are beyond the control of individuals. In sum, household food waste is a complex and wicked problem that has many causes, and which will require multiple solutions at different scales.
