Citizen science participation improves household food waste attitudes, norms, and behaviors

Introduction Researchers increasingly use citizen science to collect data in contexts where traditional research methodologies are not possible, such as household settings. A growing area of inquiry examines whether participating in citizen science programs affects the citizen scientists themselves. Methods In this study we assess whether participating in a citizen science project ( n = 133) changed participants’ beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors related to household food waste. Results Using paired pre-post survey data, we found significant improvements in attitudes, behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs and perceived behavioral control related to reducing food waste. Participants also reported adopting new behaviors that support sustainability and reducing food waste. Discussion Our findings contribute new evidence that citizen science can use used not only as a data collection method, but also as a valuable behavior change intervention for reducing food waste.