Is Food Waste Linked to Climate Change? A Survey Reveals Surprising Results

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More than half of Americans believe that throwing food in the trash has at least some
impact on climate change, according to a recent survey by CivicScience. The survey,
conducted between October 2022 and July 2024, gathered responses from 4,532 digital
news readers across the United States. Of those surveyed, 23% think food waste
significantly impacts climate change, while 40% believe it has some impact.

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Details of responses
Surprisingly, 37% of respondents think it has no impact at all.
The survey also explored whether people’s beliefs about the impact of food waste on
climate change correspond with their efforts to reduce food waste. Among the 2,804
respondents who answered both questions, a clear pattern emerged. Those who
believe food waste has a significant impact are more likely to take action to reduce their
waste. Specifically, 65% of respondents who think food waste has a significant effect
said they try to reduce their food waste every chance they get. Another 21% said they
do so if it’s convenient, while 11% occasionally make an effort, and only 3% do not try at
all. Logically, the commitment to reducing food waste diminishes among those who think
food waste has a minor impact on climate change. Of these respondents, 40% said they
try to reduce food waste every chance they get, while 35% do so if it’s convenient.
Eighteen percent make an effort, and 6% do not try at all.

Eliminating food waste
Surprisingly, individuals who believe food waste has no impact on climate change do
more than you’d expect to reduce waste. Despite skepticism, 40% of these respondents
still try to reduce their food waste every chance they get. Twenty-three percent do so if
it’s convenient, 16% occasionally make an effort, and 21% do not try at all.
In summary, 63% of Americans recognize some environmental impact of food waste.
The data suggests that belief in the impact of food waste on climate change strongly
influences behavior, but even those who are skeptical about its impact still show some
inclination to reduce waste.

Raising awareness
These findings underscore the importance of raising awareness about the
environmental consequences of food waste. With nearly three out of four Americans
acknowledging at least some impact, there is a clear opportunity to encourage more
consistent and widespread efforts to reduce food waste. As climate change continues to
be a pressing issue, understanding and addressing the factors influencing individual
behaviors can be crucial in mitigating its effects.

Climate Crisis 24/7 used generative AI technology to help produce this article, which a human editor at Climate Crisis 24/7 edited. Climate Crisis 24/7 is dedicated to accuracy and transparency; any article that uses AI will be noted.