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DCA Publikationer Evaluation of tools to reduce food waste at the household level DCA rapport, nr. 240, 2025 Af Mark Henriksen, Violeta Stancu, Liisa Lähteenmäki & Tora Kallestrup  Food waste has major environmental, economic, and social impacts. Reducing food waste is crucial for addressing current and future food security challenges.
In 2022, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration launched several tools to help households reduce food waste. Focusing on households with children, this study evaluated three such tools (the Fridge Signs, the Food Waste Diary, and the Bonus Meal tool) in terms of users’ perceptions of usability and impact. The tools were generally well received in a two-week intervention study with 322 participants. However, only the intervention group that tested the Fridge Signs and the Bonus Meal showed a significant increase in food waste awareness as well as a reduction in the amount of self-reported food waste. Moreover, an interview study participants liked the tools and found them easy to use, effective, and motivating. Though further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of the tools, participants generally found them to be helpful in reducing food waste and saving money. The tools have sparked discussions, and some people even recommended the tools to others. The tools therefore have potential to foster motivation and measures that promote reduction of food waste. |