Swiss households cut food waste by only five percent

Food waste in Swiss households has fallen by just five percent over the past four years, far short of the 50 percent reduction targeted by 2030, SRF reports. The United Nations goal applies to the food industry, retailers and consumers, and Switzerland adopted it in 2022.

While new rules are gradually taking effect in industry and retail, progress among individuals has been much slower. The first National Week Against Food Waste begins on September 12, with foodsave banquets, cooking activities and other events across Switzerland.

Awareness has grown, but behaviour has not

Surveys show that the term food waste is widely understood, but everyday habits have changed little. Refrigerators and cupboards are often overfilled, and much of their contents eventually ends up in the bin.

Sabrina Stöckli, a behavioural researcher and professor at Bern University of Applied Sciences, says the gap between intentions and actions can be explained psychologically. People may believe that wasting food is wrong, she says, but still choose a freshly delivered pizza with a discount over leftovers that no longer look as appetising.

Most people are willing to reduce food waste, according to surveys. In daily life, however, poor planning, unexpected guests and impulse purchases can prevent them from acting on that intention.

Behavioural change is a process, Stöckli says. It begins with recognising that something needs to change and developing the motivation to do so. The next step requires self-control and concrete rules, such as measuring portions when cooking or deciding in advance how to use leftovers the following day.

Small habits can have a big impact

Research has produced concrete findings on everyday behaviour. People who shop while hungry are more likely to make impulse purchases, while those who go to a store without thinking carefully or using a shopping list tend to buy more than they need.

Households are not governed by regulations or laws in this area, Stöckli says. Reducing food waste depends on persistence, discipline and awareness. Campaign weeks can help because they encourage people to reflect on their own food waste, an intervention that research shows can be effective.

The National Week Against Food Waste will include markets, cooking activities and other events focused on using food responsibly. The cities of Zurich and Bern, as well as the cantons of Aargau, Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft, are taking part.