Food Waste Factors in University Restaurants: Evidence from Brazilian Students
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| Title: | Food Waste Factors in University Restaurants: Evidence from Brazilian Students |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Elaine Aparecida Regiani de Campos, Wanda Maria Risso Günther, Jose Luis Duarte Ribeiro, Istefani Carísio de Paula, Carla Schwengber ten Caten |
| Source: | International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. 2026 27(6):1482-1502. |
| Availability: | Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 21 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Food, College Students, Food Service, Dining Facilities, Conservation (Environment), College Role, Sanitation, Sustainability, Gender Differences, Age Differences, Instructional Program Divisions, Intellectual Disciplines, Knowledge Level, Context Effect, Student Behavior, Student Attitudes |
| Geographic Terms: | Brazil |
| DOI: | 10.1108/IJSHE-08-2024-0581 |
| ISSN: | 1467-6370 1758-6739 |
| Abstract: | Purpose: Food waste is a global issue, with substantial amounts discarded daily by various stakeholders for numerous reasons. University dining facilities, where students are the primary consumers, are a significant source of this waste. Recognizing the importance of sustainability in higher education, the purpose of this study is to focus on understanding the sociodemographic variables and factors influencing organic waste management in university restaurants in Brazil. This study examines critical aspects such as students' environmental knowledge, awareness, perceptions of their university's sustainability efforts and waste handling practices. Design/methodology/approach: This study adopted a quantitative research approach, using survey-based data collection methods. The sample consisted of 5,710 students from universities across five regions of Brazil. The data were analyzed using Weighted Least Squares regression models to identify and evaluate the key factors influencing organic waste management. Findings: The findings of this study revealed that female students exhibit higher levels of environmental knowledge and awareness related to waste management, whereas male students demonstrate a stronger perception of their university's sustainability initiatives. Age emerged as a significant sociodemographic variable across all tested hypotheses, indicating that older students tend to be more environmentally conscious, possess greater environmental knowledge, have a more favorable perception of the university's environmental efforts and display a better understanding of waste segregation and management practices. Furthermore, the students' field of study was found to influence their environmental perspectives and behaviors. Originality/value: This study offers a unique perspective by focusing on the specific geographical context of Brazil, providing insights into organic waste management in university settings. The theoretical implications demonstrate how the research advances existing frameworks by integrating a regionally relevant and distinctive context. On the practical side, the findings provide actionable insights to help develop targeted policies and strategies that address the specific challenges and needs faced by managers of higher education institutions. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1507673 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Purpose: Food waste is a global issue, with substantial amounts discarded daily by various stakeholders for numerous reasons. University dining facilities, where students are the primary consumers, are a significant source of this waste. Recognizing the importance of sustainability in higher education, the purpose of this study is to focus on understanding the sociodemographic variables and factors influencing organic waste management in university restaurants in Brazil. This study examines critical aspects such as students' environmental knowledge, awareness, perceptions of their university's sustainability efforts and waste handling practices. Design/methodology/approach: This study adopted a quantitative research approach, using survey-based data collection methods. The sample consisted of 5,710 students from universities across five regions of Brazil. The data were analyzed using Weighted Least Squares regression models to identify and evaluate the key factors influencing organic waste management. Findings: The findings of this study revealed that female students exhibit higher levels of environmental knowledge and awareness related to waste management, whereas male students demonstrate a stronger perception of their university's sustainability initiatives. Age emerged as a significant sociodemographic variable across all tested hypotheses, indicating that older students tend to be more environmentally conscious, possess greater environmental knowledge, have a more favorable perception of the university's environmental efforts and display a better understanding of waste segregation and management practices. Furthermore, the students' field of study was found to influence their environmental perspectives and behaviors. Originality/value: This study offers a unique perspective by focusing on the specific geographical context of Brazil, providing insights into organic waste management in university settings. The theoretical implications demonstrate how the research advances existing frameworks by integrating a regionally relevant and distinctive context. On the practical side, the findings provide actionable insights to help develop targeted policies and strategies that address the specific challenges and needs faced by managers of higher education institutions. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1467-6370 1758-6739 |
| DOI: | 10.1108/IJSHE-08-2024-0581 |
