What Drives Generation Z to Avoid Food Waste in China? An Empirical Investigation

Avoiding food waste has become an important global issue. Given the global impact of food waste and the profound influence of Generation Z on future development, it is crucial to guide them in cultivating awareness and behaviors to reduce food waste, thereby promoting sustainable development. Considering young consumers' specific characteristics and consumption environment, this study extended the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework by adding two constructs of moral self-identity and scarcity mindset. An online survey was conducted, receiving 417 valid responses, and the data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. This study shows that subjective norms, attitudes, and perceived behavioral control positively influence Generation Z's intentions to avoid food waste. Meanwhile, moral self-identity remarkably positively influences attitudes and perceived behavioral control, which in turn affects intention to avoid food waste. Moreover, the positive moderating role of scarcity mindset is verified. This study refines the exploration of food waste within the realm of the Generation Z group, and the findings are beneficial for relevant stakeholders to further develop personalized promotion strategies for Generation Z.