The modulation of sustainability knowledge and impulsivity traits on the consumption of foods of animal and plant origin in Italy and Turkey

Abstract

Given the environmental challenge we face globally, a transition to sustainable diets seems essential. However, the cognitive aspects underlying sustainable food consumption have received little attention to date. The aims of this cross-cultural study were: (1) to explore how impulsivity traits and individuals’ knowledge of food environmental impact influence their frequency of consumption of animal- and plant-based foods; (2) to understand the modulation of individual characteristics (i.e. generation, sex, BMI, and sustainability knowledge). An online survey investigating impulsivity traits, sustainability knowledge and ratings of diverse food items was designed and administered to respondents from Italy (N = 992) and Turkey (N = 896). Results showed that Turkish respondents were higher in impulsivity and animal products consumption. Italians, instead, had greater sustainability knowledge and consumed more plant-based foods. Females in both groups reported greater knowledge of sustainability, consistent with previous findings. In terms of generations, the lowest consumption of animal products was reported by Turkish Generation Z and Italian Millennials. In conclusion, this study shed light on the interaction of psychological factors and individual characteristics with the perceived environmental impact of foods. Moreover, the adopted cross-cultural approach allowed to identify several differences in participants’ responses ascribable to their different nationalities and gastronomic cultures.

Elucidating the effects of environmental consciousness and environmental attitude on green travel behavior: Moderating role of green self‐efficacy

“…They have witnessed global events such as the Paris Climate Agreement and have learned about concerns such as plastic pollution, climate science, and sustainability through technology and social media. As a result, Generation Z is extremely concerned about the environment and strongly supports measures that reduce carbon emissions and shift to renewable energy (Migliavada et al, 2022). This younger generation aspires to adopt green practices in their daily lives, such as decreasing single‐use plastic, recycling, using sustainable ways of traveling, purchasing locally sourced and sustainably manufactured goods, and reducing their energy and water consumption (Amatulli et al, 2023).…”

“…Finally, the study's emphasis on Generation Z and their participation in environmentally friendly travel practices adds to the body of knowledge on generational disparities in environmental behavior (Migliavada et al, 2022;Zhang & Khan, 2022). The study advances T A B L E 3 Bootstrap results for conditional indirect effects of environmental consciousness through environmental attitude on GTB at the levels of green self-efficacy.…”

“…The study advances T A B L E 3 Bootstrap results for conditional indirect effects of environmental consciousness through environmental attitude on GTB at the levels of green self-efficacy. and ensuring that policies reflect their values and goals (Khan, 2022;Migliavada et al, 2022).…”

“…Global acknowledgment of the significance of environmental sustainability has grown in response to urgent ecological concerns (Godil et al, 2021; Young et al, 2010; Khan et al, 2020). The age group born between the middle of the 1990s and the start of the 2010s, known as Generation Z (Seibert, 2021), has emerged as one that is extremely concerned about environmental issues and willing to take action in the direction of a greener future (Migliavada et al, 2022). To effectively promote sustainable lifestyles among this generation, it is essential to understand the elements that affect their ecologically friendly habits, such as green travel.…”

FEED your mind: The evolutionary roots of human food cognition

“…For instance, the global prevalence of obesity and its role in the development of non-communicable diseases (such as type-2 diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease) is becoming a real economic burden in terms of health costs (Cuschieri and Mamo, 2016). The low success of most campaigns promoting a shift toward healthy and sustainable eating (e.g., Appelton et al, 2016;Chen et al, 2022;Migliavada et al, 2022), prompts for new policy approaches and evidence-based nutrition programs that are better grounded in theoretical and empirical knowledge on food cognition. Below we describe a few examples on how what we learn from FEED can help us direct individuals' attention and eating choices towards healthy and sustainable food products.…”