An Evaluation of Household Zero-Waste Awareness in Food Consumption: A Structural Modeling Approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24925/turjaf.v13i11.3188-3195.8241Keywords:
Cognitive awareness, Ecosystem sensitivity, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Zero-waste, Social responsibilityAbstract
The aim of this study is to examine and model zero-waste awareness in household food consumption in the TR90 Region using a multidimensional approach. Primary data were collected in 2025 through face-to-face surveys with 450 households in Trabzon, Ordu, Artvin, and Gümüşhane. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and k-means Cluster Analysis were employed for data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that zero-waste awareness encompasses more than just knowledge acquisition; it was structured around three main dimensions: cognitive awareness, ecosystem and economic sensitivity, and sustainable social responsibility. The results of cluster analysis indicated that the importance attached to these dimensions varies according to households’ expenditure levels (low, medium, and high). Consumers in the low-expenditure group emphasized socially responsible approaches, while the medium-expenditure group focused more on economic and environmental benefits. The high-expenditure group, on the other hand, prioritized cognitive awareness and technological developments; however, they demonstrated relatively less sensitivity to economic and environmental costs than other groups. The findings of this study highlighted those policies aimed at enhancing zero-waste awareness in food consumption should be differentiated according to varying economic and social dynamics. Policymakers could be therefore advised to design strategies that emphasize collective consciousness and social solidarity for low-expenditure groups, economic and ecological benefits for medium-expenditure groups, and knowledge- and technology-based solutions for high-expenditure groups.
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