Food Waste as a Classic Problem that Calls for Interdisciplinary Solutions: A Case Study Illustration

In 2015, the United States generated over 250 million tons of municipal solid waste. Of this, food products comprised nearly 15% of this waste. Food waste is a major contributor to greenhouse gasses and subsequent climate change. Ongoing examination from the vantage of multiple academic disciplines is needed to understand and work toward solutions for this wicked problem. The University of Maine's interdisciplinary Materials Management team, composed of a psychologist, nurse scientist, environmental/civil engineer, anthropologist, food scientist, and economist, works to examine and guide food waste solutions. Strategies to achieve successful interdisciplinary approaches for addressing sustainability problems include authentic listening, stakeholder engagement, and student participation. For example, the work of the psychologist brings attitude/behavior/organizational understanding and expertise to the interdisciplinary team with aims to implement strategies for outcome-oriented solutions. Overcoming disciplinary language barriers and securing interdisciplinary grant funding are examples of challenges that must be addressed if interdisciplinary teams are to succeed.