The Little Book
of Food Waste
Learn how to waste less food and take our interactive quiz.
✓ CUT DOWN ON HOUSEHOLD TRASH
✓ CHANGE YOUR HABITS
✓ SAVE MONEY
Most people waste food.
Despite general guidance around meal planning and composting, the average person doesn’t have time to think about what they’re scraping off their plate. With the United States reported to have 73 kg (161 pounds) per capita of household food waste per year, it’s beyond time to take action. The Little Book of Food Waste, a graduate Capstone project from NYU’s Food Studies program, will provide actionable insights about how to waste less food based on your spending, eating, and organization habits.
How to Help with Food Waste
Food waste is a complex issue, but we can all do our part. Our “What Type of Eater Are You?” quiz is intended as a first step in helping people determine what kind of eater they are and how that impacts the food they waste.
The Five Types of Eaters
There is no “one” reason that people waste food; rather, different habits and behaviors impact how much food we waste. The “What Type of Eater Are You?” categories reflect these differences.
Analyzing Your Results
After taking the quiz, visit our results page to see which ‘type’ you are. You’ll need the score provided at the end of the quiz.
After The Quiz
After taking the quiz, use your specific type to get specific food waste recommendations. You can also visit our blog for more insights.
The Little Book of Food Waste, coming out this Summer, will have a more comprehensive guide.
For now, here is how to benefit from the advice provided.
Gut Check
When reviewing your results, consider whether or not it resonates with you. This quiz is not a perfect science, and you may align with a different eating type.
Trash Diary
For one week, take a picture of any food you throw away — whether you are scraping food off a plate or throwing away old leftovers. Look for trends and ask questions.
Observation
Don’t immediately change your lifestyle based on your results. Use the results to inform your observations about your natural impulses and habits around eating.
Resources
Visit our blog for recommendations about lessening your food trash at home, as well as posts giving more insight into your eating type.
Patience
Your food waste isn’t going to vanish overnight. It’s going to take time. Be patient with yourself and make changes where and when you can.
Rinse and Repeat
When you find something that works for you (smaller portion sizes, cutting out meat, eating more leftovers, etc.), make it a part of your routine!
Quiz Takeaways
✓ Cut down on waste
✓ Change your habits
✓ Save money
Stay Tuned for The Little Book of Food Waste
This research will be used to write a handbook called The Little Book of Food Waste. NYU Food Studies student Melissa Randall-Houghton will release an eBook and printed handbook for her 2025 Capstone.
Conferences and Events
Our survey, framework, and research will be presented at:
Healing Harvest: Transforming Food Systems for Tomorrow @ Yale University
Fed Up: Learning From the Past, Imagining New Futures @ the University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my name be used in the research/book?
Nope! All survey submissions are anonymous. You can provide your email address if you would like to answer questions about your experience.
What if I don’t like my result?
If your type doesn’t seem like you, read through all the “types” and try to find one that best aligns with your habits.
What school is this research associated with?
Melissa Randall-Houghton is a New York University student pursuing a dual degree in Food Studies and Library Science.
How long does the quiz take to finish?
The quiz is 30 questions long and can take 25 minutes to an hour.
Can I share the quiz with my friends?
Please share the link across your platforms! The more engagement, the better.
When does the handbook come out?
The first iteration will be available in early Summer 2025.
Learn “What Type of Eater Are You?”
Click the green button to be directed to our Typeform quiz.