Food waste: Contrary to popular belief, it's not those who lived through communism who are wasting the most food, but Generation Z

Monday, Apr 29, 2024

Roman food waste is high; AI and new apps offer solutions to reduce consumer waste across Europe.

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[This is an automatically generated summary, for reference only]

Romania wastes about 70 kilograms of food annually per person, with vegetables, fruits, and cooked food being the most frequently wasted items. While many Romanians are aware of the issue—with seven out of ten intending to reduce food waste—excessive purchasing is a major cause, particularly among Gen Z. New legislation in Romania allows consumers access to discounted near-expiry food and simplifies donations. Food donation efforts have seen increases, with recent collections reaching over 200 tons. Consumers are considering measures like proper storage and meal planning, though women show more inclination toward these actions than men. Studies indicate a growing awareness of the need to reduce waste, driven by financial concerns and environmental responsibility. In contrast, international examples show varied approaches: France has set targets and implemented labeling, Czechia mandates donations from large supermarkets but lacks strong consumer motivation for separation, while Bulgaria utilizes apps like Foodobox to rescue surplus food from restaurants.


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