The Bioeconomy Series brings together research, innovation, and real-world application to explore how science is shaping the future of land-based systems in Aotearoa. The series connects students, staff, and partners through informed discussion on emerging opportunities and challenges.
Food waste is a complex challenge that extends far beyond what happens to food at the end of its life. It is shaped by the way food is produced, valued, distributed and consumed, as well as by the behaviours, systems and social movements seeking to create change.
This session explores the social and behavioural dimensions of food waste, considering how communities, consumers, businesses and social movements are challenging established food systems and creating new approaches to reducing waste and building more sustainable food economies.
Dr Meike Rombach (Lincoln University) will explore the social and consumer dimensions of food waste, examining how people understand, value and respond to food waste and the role of social movements in influencing behaviours and driving change across food systems.
Dr Gert-Jan Moggre (Bioeconomy Science Institute) will consider food waste from a bioeconomy perspective, exploring opportunities to rethink waste as a resource and the role of innovation in creating value from food by-products and discarded materials.
Together, the speakers will explore how social change, consumer behaviour and scientific innovation can work together to address food waste. The discussion will consider how changing the way we value food and resources can contribute to more circular, resilient and sustainable food systems.
Join us for an engaging discussion on the social movements, behaviours and innovations shaping how we think about food waste—and how we can turn a growing challenge into an opportunity for a more sustainable bioeconomy.
Wednesday 7th October
1.00pm-2.30pm
Inaka, Waimarie Building, Lincoln University