The importance of mobile applications in reducing food waste - the example of the TooGoodToGo application

Abstract

ObjectivesThe main goal of the presented research is to recognize the role of the application in the process of reducing food waste. The specific goals are to identify the reasons for using the "food saving" application TooGoodToGo and to verify the level of respondents' satisfaction with using the most popular application of this type in Poland.Material and methodsThe analysis is based on a survey of Generation Z using an online survey questionnaire that was available in Q4 2021. The survey was opened by 477 respondents, of whom174 responded positively to the filter questions. They constituted the survey sample.ResultsThe research showed that "food saving" applications may be important in creating pro-ecological behavior. To be effective, they must meet users' expectations in terms of, among others: safety and costs of use.ConclusionsTooGoodToGo is an example of the potential of mobile technology to solve social problems and shape pro-environmental behaviour. According to the study and in line with the first hypothesis, the use of the TooGoodToGo app is determined by economic factors and the need not to waste food. According to our study, the most important functions are free use and payment security (H2). It was assumed and confirmed that the TooGoogToGo app meets users' expectations, as evidenced by the satisfaction rate at a good level. Security and identification of personal data, app design and emotional attachment are key factors positively influencing app user satisfaction. For satisfaction to be rated at a good level, the design and operation of the app should be simple and easy to use.