Environmental considerations in food choices of four demographic groups in Malta

Abstract

Our food preferences, specifically the choice of foodstuffs for consumption, drive food production. Food production, processing and transportation have effects on the environment, including negative impacts on land and water, and increased greenhouse gas production. Such environmental impacts are particularly relevant for Malta; given that it is a small island state with limited land available for cultivation, a lack of natural resources and impacts related to food imports. This dissertation focuses on the relationship between food choices (of consumers of different ages) and the environment in Malta. The study aims to: (i) identify which foodstuffs are consumed more often than others and to explore related environmental effects, (ii) determine which criteria consumers take into account when buying food, specifically focusing on whether environmental considerations are given importance, (iii) identify which changes in diet/lifestyle are perceived to be most beneficial to health/the environment and which ones consumers are willing to adopt. A questionnaire was designed to collect responses obtained through 300 face-to-face personal interviews conducted in five localities in Malta (Fgura, Mosta, Msida, Żebbuġ and Żurrieq). Clear generational differences are present in the frequency of consumption of some foodstuffs, preference for local and seasonal food as well as willingness to apply changes with environmental benefits. ‘Freshness’, ‘quality’, ‘product enjoyment’ and ‘product benefits’ were given the most importance by respondents when shopping for food. ‘Environmental effects’ were generally given less importance, and in general, there appeared to be little awareness of the environmental impacts of food production. Participants generally showed willingness to implement the changes in diet/lifestyle proposed in the survey, with the exception of ‘reducing meat and animal products’ and ‘switching to a vegetarian/vegan diet’. However, even though respondents expressed a willingness to adopt certain environmentally friendly behaviours, this was not necessarily due to pro-environmental intent. Increased education can help to increase awareness about the environmental implications of food consumption habits.