Household Food Waste – Take the survey now

Second Year TU Dublin PhD student, Courage Yaw Krah, is looking for survey participants to take part in his study which is focused on food waste in households in Ireland. Courage is based within the School of Management, People and Organisations at TU Dublin and his study is being supervised by Dr Anushree Priyadarshini and Dr. Paul Hynds.

The study aims to quantify the volumes of household food waste generated across Ireland, identify food waste habits, and assess the environmental and economic losses incurred from the waste. To achieve this, the researchers have developed a short 10-minute multiple-choice survey to gather data on food waste. Participants who complete the survey will receive a free e-brochure with valuable food waste management tips.

Take the survey now

The data collected from this survey will be used to develop tailor-made strategies for reducing food waste, which will benefit people across Ireland in terms of reducing waste volumes and saving money on groceries. Additionally, it will contribute to environmental sustainability.

Research Importance 

Food waste is a pressing global issue with far-reaching environmental, social, and economic impacts. It contributes significantly to climate change, accounting for 8-10% of greenhouse gas emissions. The production, processing, and transportation of food consume substantial resources such as land, water, and energy. Hence when food is wasted, all the resources used in bringing food to our tables are wasted too.

In Ireland alone, each household generates approximately 130 kg of food waste or 48 kg per person. This waste amounts to an average cost of €60 per month or €700 per year for Irish households, totalling a national expenditure of €1.29 billion annually. The Irish Government has also pledged to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030, aligning with both the UN SDGs and EU targets.

Outcome and Contribution

*Provision of a dataset to showcase the distribution of household food waste across various locations, occupations, demographics and seasons in Ireland.

*Presentation of a report on the environmental and economic impact of household food waste in Ireland under current and different future scenarios.

*This research will contribute to the formulation of relevant policies and enable Ireland to accurately account for its food waste at the European Commission and United Nations levels, aligning with their commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

*Provision of valuable information on food waste management to stakeholders, including policymakers, consumers, and waste companies in the Republic of Ireland.

Photo by Providence Doucet via Unsplash