Drivers of Circular Food Economies in Mississippi, USA

Abstract

Background of the Study: In the 21st century, adopting the principles of the circular economy to minimize waste and pollution has become prominent in several industries, including the food industry. The United Nation’s sustainable development goal to reduce retail and consumer food waste by half by the year 2030 on a global level, has prompted many nations to deplore proactive measures to eliminate food waste. By eliminating food waste through a circular economy model, there are numerous benefits to be gained for businesses and the environments in which we live. This research will provide insights into how transitioning into a circular food economy will be beneficial for the state of Mississippi, the USA, and the world at large.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the current level of awareness and advocated the benefits of transitioning to a circular food economy in Mississippi, USA.

Design/methodology/approach: A questionnaire survey of 120 construction professionals was used to assess the current level of awareness and advocated the benefits of transitioning to a circular food economy in Mississippi, USA. The questionnaire comprised three main sections each exploring different parts of the research question.

Findings: The key findings of the statistical analysis indicated that there is low awareness of the circular food economy. This study fills the gap in the existing knowledge by addressing concerns over circular food economies to improve confidence among practitioners.

Research limitations/implications: Although the data used in this paper was from educationally qualified individuals, the research is limited in some ways in that it does not cover all the professionals in the food industry. Nevertheless, all the professionals who responded to the questionnaire have an up-to-date level of awareness of the circular food economy.

Practical and Social implications: A noticeable proponent of the circular food economy is that it promotes the overall health of people by providing environmental and economic benefits.

Originality/value: This paper contributes with new outlooks aimed at assessing the current level of awareness, usage, and advocated benefits of the circular food economy and adds to the limited empirical studies on circular economy to governments, companies, and decision-makers.

Keywords: Awareness, Benefits, Circular, Economy, Food, Mississippi.

DOI: 10.7176/JESD/13-22-02

Publication date: November 30^th 2022