Table 1 Scale design and references.

M1

I believe that wasting food is a waste of money, so I’m willing to cut down on food waste to minimize financial losses.

Dong et al. (2022)

M2

I would consider reducing food waste because I think it would make me look good to others (or my children).

M3

I would consider reducing food waste as I think it helps the environment and reduces carbon emissions.

Opport-unity

External Environ-ment

EE1

If the food service staff advise and remind me of the amount of food to be ordered according to the number of diners, I will listen to the advice and try to order in moderation.

Vittuari et al. (2021), Liao (2022)

EE2

I will choose to pack leftovers if I am prompted to do so by the food service staff at the end of the meal or if they offer to provide me with a packing bag.

EE3

If shopping is convenient around where I live, I tend to shop every day or every two days (especially perishable foods such as fruits and vegetables, breads, dairy products, etc.) without stocking up.

Emotio-nal Informa-tion

EI1

I am interested in information on carbon emissions, climate change, environmental degradation.

Wei et al. (2023), Geng et al. (2016)

EI2

I am interested in positive information about reducing food waste (e.g. reducing food waste saves money and is environmentally friendly).

EI3

I pay special attention to public service announcements and news that advocate for food waste reduction behavior.

EI4

I can relate emotionally to information such as how many people in the world are still hungry and how wasting food causes environmental pollution.

Rational Informa-tion

RI1

I am interested in specific guidance information on reducing food waste (how to plan food purchases wisely, what to do with leftovers, etc.).

Wei et al. (2023), Geng et al. (2016)

RI2

I pay particular attention to institutional documents and policy provisions to reduce food waste.

RI3

If I could learn about my carbon footprint, carbon labeling, then I would focus more on reducing food waste.

A1

Do you know that wasting food leads to increased carbon emissions, which negatively impacts the environment and is not conducive to sustainable development?

Vittuari et al. (2021), “Questionnai-re on Level of Food Knowledge”

A2

How much do you know about food waste in China (e.g. the amount of food wasted per year, the main places where food waste occurs, the severity of food waste, etc.)?

A3

I am more conscious of storing food in a scientific way (e.g. yogurt, active bacteria drinks, cooked meats, etc. need to be refrigerated for freshness).

FC1

I care about compliments and praise.

Zhang et al. (2011)

FC2

I want to be seen as having a better life than most.

FC3

I’ll order too much food to show my hospitality, especially when I’m entertaining important guests.

FC4

Even if I really don’t get it, I try my best not to sound ignorant.

FC5

I’d be embarrassed if all the food is eaten when I host a dinner party.

FC6

Packing when I eat out makes me feel bad.

FWRB1

I will order moderately and try not to waste when eating out.

Verain et al. (2015)

FWRB2

I always encourage people around me to waste less food.

FWRB3

I will pack for different occasions at the end of the meal (usually when I go out to eat by myself or eat with my family, friends and relatives, but not for important occasions).