| Abstract: | Consumers (n = 750) were surveyed regarding knowledge and behaviour concerning reuse of food packaging materials. Cross-tabulation of completed questionnaires (n = 597) indicated that middle-aged, urban and suburban women engaged in the highest number of correct packaging reuse practices. Nearly 50% of consumers thought egg cartons, plastic syrup bottles, produce bags and microwave meal plates were designed to be reused. Less than 50% thought it was safe to store food in containers formerly used to store non-food items, and that washed bread wrappers (turned inside-out were a safe material in which to store fresh food. Over 50% knew that plastic packaging contains additives that can end up in food, that packaging materials may be sterilized with chemicals or irradiation and that plastic wraps begin to melt at 71° (160°). Point Biserial Correlations indicated that behaviour was not necessarily consistent with knowledge. |
