Teaching Against Waste: How Marketing Education Can Transform Food Sustainability - Environment+Energy Leader

Photo by Lesly Juarez on Unsplash
by Kaleigh Harrison | Apr 29, 2024
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In the face of escalating food costs and increasing food insecurity, a staggering 40 percent of fruits and vegetables are discarded before they even reach the consumer, primarily due to their failure to meet aesthetic standards. This rejection based on size, shape, or weight contributes significantly to environmental degradation, with unconsumed food accounting for approximately 8 to 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Initiatives like Misfits Market in the United States and the “naturally imperfect” line by Loblaw Companies in Canada are beginning to turn the tide by marketing less visually appealing yet perfectly edible produce at reduced prices.
The movement toward embracing imperfect produce is crucial in reshaping consumer perceptions and improving supply chain dynamics. By integrating ‘ugly’ fruits and vegetables into the mainstream market, companies like Misfits Market and Loblaw Companies are addressing the environmental impact of food waste and creating economic opportunities in the process. These efforts help stabilize prices and provide cost-effective options for consumers, making sustainable choices more accessible to a broader audience while raising public awareness about the scale of food waste and its repercussions. They foster a more informed consumer base that is more likely to prioritize sustainability in purchasing decisions, reinforcing a market shift towards more responsible consumption patterns.
RESCUER, an acronym integral to the educational approach at Carleton University, stands for “Recognition, Engagement, Social influence, Cognition, Understanding, Environmental responsiveness, and Reinforcement.” Each element represents an integral stage in the learning journey aimed at altering student perceptions and behaviors toward food waste. The Recognition phase introduces students to the critical food waste issues, prompting an initial awareness. Engagement involves hands-on activities that deepen this awareness through practical, real-world applications, like preparing meals using imperfect produce. Social influence acknowledges the role of peer and family interactions in shaping sustainable habits, while Cognition enhances understanding through reflective practices like journal writing. Understanding encourages a deeper intellectual grasp of sustainability challenges. Environmental responsiveness involves students recognizing and utilizing available resources such as composting facilities, and finally, Reinforcement solidifies these behaviors into consistent, long-term practices.
Carleton University has introduced this as a beneficial educational initiative, which uses a blend of passive and active learning methods to instill a deep-seated awareness and understanding of food waste. Starting with lectures and readings, students move through experiential learning exercises that involve planning, shopping for, and preparing meals with sustainability in mind, ultimately reflecting on their experiences through journaling. This process enhances students’ awareness and encourages them to question and modify their consumption behaviors in favor of sustainability.
The impact of the RESCUER framework extends beyond the classroom. Students report a significant shift in their perceptions and behaviors, purchasing “ugly” produce and prioritizing items nearing expiration dates to mitigate waste. These behaviors are underpinned by an increased awareness of sustainability issues, influenced by social interactions, and supported by access to recycling and composting facilities. The framework has proven effective in fostering a responsible consumer mindset, as evidenced by qualitative student feedback and quantitative survey results.
Educators are uniquely positioned to influence future professionals, integrating sustainability into the curriculum to ensure a more resilient, environmentally conscious market landscape. This innovative approach addresses immediate food waste challenges and equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to foster long-term sustainability in their professional and personal lives. As the conversation around sustainability continues to evolve, the role of education in shaping future leaders and innovators remains crucial.