Problem & Challenge

• Food waste on college campuses is significant but largely invisible — students and institutions lack awareness of how much is wasted and why

• Cultural attitudes toward food waste differ significantly between U.S. and Dutch students, creating an opportunity for cross-cultural insight

• No structured reduction efforts existed in campus cafeterias despite documented waste patterns

Research & Process

• Conducted campus surveys and interviewed cafeteria workers to understand food disposal habits and institutional practices firsthand

• Collaborated with Dutch students to compare cultural attitudes toward food waste across two countries

• Synthesized parallel research findings into a data-driven awareness campaign including educational video and infographic series

• Final deliverables were documented through a series of recipe cards — using the format of food itself to frame the research process and proposed solutions

Findings and Implications

• Presented the research experience to classmates through recipe cards — using the format of food to make the findings tangible and accessible rather than presenting static data

• Cross-cultural comparison with Dutch students revealed that food waste is driven more by behavior and cultural attitude than by lack of awareness or resources

• Research surfaced practical solution directions ranging from composting to technology interventions — with honest assessment of what would and wouldn't work within real institutional constraints