Saving Money The Biggest Motivation For Households To Reduce Food Wastage: NEA & AVA Survey [Press Release]

Singapore, 20 November 2015 – A survey commissioned by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) has revealed that saving money is the biggest motivation that will drive Singapore consumers to reduce food wastage, while concern for the environment came a close second.

2 The survey was commissioned in September 2014 to better understand the main reasons behind food wastage in households and identify triggers for change. After the survey was conducted, a focus group discussion was also carried out in July 2015, to gain further insights into the underlying perceptions, attitudes and habits of Singapore consumers with regard to food wastage. Read more

Food Waste Habits of Households in Singapore

The 2015 Electrolux Food Waste At Home Survey revealed the food waste habits of households in Singapore. The survey was conducted by Electrolux based on 1,000 respondents from 18-65 years old.

Some of the key findings show that:

77% of Singaporeans regularly waste food at home, with almost a third refusing to eat leftovers.

41% of Singaporeans only think about food waste occasionally despite households contributing to the 788,600 tonnes of food waste generated in Singapore each year.

The top five reasons why food is wasted at homes:

1. Preparing too much food / taking too much food on your plate (51%)
2. Forgotten about food: out-of-date food at the back of their fridge because they just can’t see it (48%)
3. Catering for fussy eaters (31%)
4. Households not liking leftovers (23%)
5. Rarely eating together as a family (11%)

The most common items thrown away each week:

1. Cooked rice (51%)
2. Vegetables/salad (49%)
3. Cooked meat/fish (45%)

The survey was timed to kickstart #happyplatesg, a six-week community initiative to raise awareness of food waste in Singapore, one plate at a time. Through this, Electrolux intends to rally the help of Singaporeans to support at least 1,000 local families in need through the campaign’s beneficiary, The Food Bank Singapore.

Source and image credit: Electrolux Asia Pacific