Investigating UK school-aged children’s sustainable food packaging disposal knowledge and engagement levels in ecologically valid settings

Norton, V. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1961-2539 and Lignou, S. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6971-2258 (2024) Investigating UK school-aged children’s sustainable food packaging disposal knowledge and engagement levels in ecologically valid settings. Sustainability, 16 (16). 7235. ISSN 2071-1050 doi: 10.3390/su16167235

Abstract/Summary

There is a growing emphasis on sustainable approaches; however, consumer-related barriers can modulate adherence. Therefore, engaging future generations from an early age in adopting sustainable food-packaging practices is fundamental. This paper investigates food-packaging-related knowledge, preferences, and engagement levels at a UK science-based event. School-aged children (n = 255; 8–18 years) completed various activities to initiate conversation encompassing food packaging disposal, symbols, issues, preferences, and behaviour, as well as educational-based discussions. Most children were able to select the correct response for disposal-related questions; however, they struggled to correctly identify the appropriate bin for used food items (e.g., pizza box). Children’s knowledge of symbols varied considerably: Mobius loop and Fairtrade symbols were easily recognisable, whereas there was no clear consensus/poor knowledge for the remaining symbols. Children’s main food packaging issues were ‘excessive packaging’ and ‘bins are full’ and key information searching locations were labels-on-pack and digital sources. Currently, 51% of the children adopt sustainable approaches; therefore, engaging more children in such practices is essential. 77% of the children were interested in changing future food-packaging behaviour. Going forward, sustainable food-packaging practices need to be incorporated into the school curriculum to promote engagement as well as improving infrastructure so that children can easily implement appropriate practices; thus, resulting in notable societal impact.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/118435
Item Type	Article
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy > Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences > Food Research Group
Publisher	MPDI
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