Food waste is a massive problem. It’s estimated that worldwide a staggering one third of all food produced ends up being uneaten. That’s $1.2 trillion of edible food going to waste yet so many people in our world regularly go without food. It makes no sense. 

As well as taking up valuable landfill space food waste in landfill is problematic as it breaks down and emits greenhouse gases.

Many supermarkets use psychology to try and make you buy more which can often end up going to waste.

Here are some of the supermarkets tactics to be aware of.

Fresh flowers fruit and veggies at the entrance

Have you wondered why flowers fruit and vegetables – items which should ideally go in your trolley last – are the first thing you see when you enter the supermarket?

The colourful fresh produce is reportedly designed to project a fresh healthy image and put you in a happier mood which encourages you to spend more.

Music with a purpose

A lot of psychological research and planning goes into that easy listening music you hear at the supermarket as it’s believed to boost your mood and slow you down encouraging you to browse at your leisure.

One study found that supermarkets that played slow music increased their sales by nearly 40 per cent.

Staples like eggs milk and bread are often spread out

Does this sound familiar: you run into the supermarket for bread and come out with two bags of groceries?

In most supermarkets staples like milk eggs and bread are all spread out – and often at the far corners of the store. This means when you go in to get a few basic items you have to walk right through the store so are more likely to pick up extra things.

Eye level is buy level

In some cases supermarkets will position the products they want you to select at eye level with cheaper versions on lower shelves.

Kids toys and treats are often located on lower shelves so that kids can easily see and grab items then pester parents for them!

Multi-buy offers

Multi-buy offers can seem enticing but first ask yourself if you really need multiple items? If those extra items are more likely to go to waste you certainly won’t be saving any money.

Don’t shop hungry

Studies found that hunger affects our shopping decisions even on non-food items.

These studies showed that hungry shoppers not only bought unnecessary items on impulse but also bought more of what they needed.

Colourful stickers designed to deceive

Those bright signs and stickers can often dupe you into thinking that this particular offer is the best.

Signs that say things like “Hot buy” or “Get in quick” are often designed to get us into thinking these items are on sale when they are actually full price.