This study aims to critically examine the interrelationship between household food waste, responsible consumption and poverty in Spain, with the goal of contributing to the discourse on sustainable development and circular economy models. By leveraging econometric analysis, the paper investigates how socioeconomic variables such as income, consumption and food prices impact food waste patterns and their potential to be redirected to address food insecurity. The study also evaluates the potential of food waste management as a tool for poverty alleviation through food redistribution and waste-to-energy initiatives. The findings of this research provide a dual contribution: (1) to the theoretical understanding of food waste dynamics and (2) to the development of predictive models forecasting future trends in food waste and poverty. The paper aims to offer actionable recommendations for policymakers, businesses and NGOs engaged in food waste management and sustainable consumption practices.
This research adopts a case study methodology, with Spain as the focal point of investigation. A combination of statistical regression analysis and an ARMAX (autoregressive moving average with exogenous variables) model is employed to examine the relationship between household food waste, poverty levels, food consumption and socioeconomic variables. Data are sourced from national and global institutions such as the FAO, the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the National Institute of Statistics. Regression models, including simple linear regression, were used to assess trends in food waste over time, while ARMAX modeling was utilized to predict household food waste and poverty levels by 2030. Model validation involved the use of t-tests, F-tests and R2 values, ensuring the robustness of the results. This methodological framework enables the exploration of the complex interplay between economic factors and food waste, offering both descriptive insights and predictive capacity.
This study confirms two key hypotheses: first, that responsible consumption directly impacts food waste reduction and second, that effective management of food waste can alleviate hunger and poverty. The findings reveal that higher consumption and income levels correlate with increased food waste, emphasizing the need for responsible consumption behaviors and educational campaigns. Circular economy models, including food recovery and waste-to-energy initiatives, can support food security and poverty reduction. The study contributes to both theory and practice, providing empirical evidence that links responsible consumption, circular economy principles, and sustainable development goals. It offers valuable insights for policymakers and organizations aiming to reduce food waste and promote sustainability. However, the study’s focus on Spain limits its generalizability and future research could explore the effects of specific policies or examine the long-term impact of circular economy practices on food waste and poverty across different regions.
This study is limited by its focus on Spain, which may restrict the generalizability of the findings to countries with different socioeconomic contexts or cultural practices regarding food waste. While the study provides valuable insights into the Spanish context, future research could explore comparative analyses across different European nations or developing countries to assess the universality of the results. Additionally, the study does not examine the effectiveness of specific policy interventions or awareness campaigns in altering consumer behavior, an area that needs further exploration. Longitudinal studies would also be beneficial to evaluate the sustainability of the circular economy models over time. Despite these limitations, the research contributes a robust foundation for future studies on the interconnections between socio-economic factors, food waste and poverty.
The practical implications of this study are multifaceted and highly relevant for policymakers, businesses and non-governmental organizations focused on sustainable development and poverty alleviation. Policymakers can utilize the findings to design more effective regulations aimed at reducing food waste and promoting responsible consumption. Educational campaigns that emphasize the environmental and social costs of food waste should be prioritized to encourage sustainable consumer behaviors. Furthermore, the research highlights the need for investments in infrastructure to support food recovery initiatives, including redistribution networks and waste-to-energy technologies, which can both mitigate food waste and provide resources to marginalized populations. For businesses, adopting circular economy practices can enhance corporate sustainability profiles while contributing to social equity. Overall, the study advocates for coordinated efforts across sectors to drive systemic change toward reducing food waste and alleviating poverty.
The study has significant social implications, particularly in addressing food insecurity and poverty. By highlighting the potential of food waste to be repurposed through food recovery initiatives, the research emphasizes the importance of ensuring that wasted food is redistributed to those in need, thereby contributing to poverty alleviation and food security. From a policy perspective, the study suggests that governments should incentivize and support food redistribution programs and waste-to-energy projects, which can have both social and environmental benefits. Such efforts align with achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 1 – No Poverty and SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production). The study also stresses the importance of public awareness campaigns to alter consumer attitudes towards food waste. The adoption of these recommendations could foster a more sustainable and equitable food system, with far-reaching benefits for society.
This paper makes a novel contribution by integrating circular economy principles with the analysis of food waste and poverty alleviation. It presents an innovative approach that combines econometric analysis with the practical application of food recovery strategies to address environmental and social challenges. The use of Spain as a case study, alongside predictive modeling, offers new insights into the future of food waste management and its potential to combat poverty. By linking socioeconomic factors with food waste behavior, the study enriches existing literature on sustainable consumption and provides a framework for future research in this field.
Responsible consumption is directly correlated with reduced food waste.
Increased consumption and income levels contribute to higher food waste, emphasizing the need for education and policy-driven initiatives.
Proper management of food waste through redistribution and waste-to-energy initiatives can significantly alleviate hunger and poverty.
Circular economy models have the potential to address both food security and social inequality effectively.
Implementing food recovery infrastructure, waste-to-energy projects, and responsible consumption campaigns are essential for reducing food waste and promoting sustainability.
