The interest of the French in the anti-waste is very real although in practice it is more difficult to apply it – PinPep / REX / SIPA
- Almost all French people say they are careful about wasting their food less, according to an OpinionWay study for SmartWay unveiled this Thursday.
- We also learn that eight out of ten people think they throw less than their neighbor, and that young people are more wasteful than their elders.
- “Consumers feel responsible for their actions at home, much less in stores,” said Christophe Menez, co-founder of SmartWay.
Pay attention to the products you buy, do not throw away leftovers … Almost all (94%) of French people are careful about wasting their food products less, according to an OpinionWay study for SmartWay, a startup specializing in this niche, unveiled this Thursday.
In theory, therefore, they are very aware of the issue. But the study also notes that 75% of them prefer to buy “prettier” fruits and vegetables, 59% throw away products because of their appearance, and 20% throw them away for lack of forethought. Foods thrown away at least once a month include bread (35%), fruit (33%), vegetables (30%) and unfinished meals (29%).
Young people more wasteful
As is often the case, it is easier to look elsewhere than to see your own faults: 80% of respondents believe that they waste less than their neighbor. They say they throw food for 15 euros per month, against 45 euros for others. In reality, the average for each is … 33 euros.
Another lesson: 18-24 year olds throw 2 to 3 times more than 65 year olds and over. “They are more wasteful than their elders, perhaps because they are a little less organized,” notes Christophe Menez, co-founder of SmartWay. Finally, when you look at the anti-waste actions to do at home, it’s super simple: freeze products, check dates, prepare meal lists. Planning and organization are the key factors for success ”.
A DLC story
This survey also raises a paradox: 82% of French people say they buy products with long use-by dates (DLC), to avoid having to throw them away. Which is the opposite of the anti-waste spirit, according to Christophe Menez. Because according to him, this generates more food waste in supermarkets. “Consumers feel responsible for their actions at home, much less in stores. “
On this same question, 92% of respondents are ready to buy products with short DLCs if the distributors make discounts.
Of guilt
In the end, whether they make an effort or not, the French have a very poor experience of waste: when they throw away food, one in two feels guilty, even angry. “It’s an extremely strong feeling,” resumes Christophe Menez, “which shows that we realize his bad action. Before, it was about buying versus a discount. Now the ethical and environmental side comes into play ”.
* Study carried out online, from March 31 to April 1, 2021, on a sample of 1,015 people representative of the French population aged 18 and over, according to the quota method