Buffet Waste Concerns: Should We Face Fines for Excess?

In a bid to tackle increasing food waste at buffets, a pub in Cornwall has implemented a fee for excessive leftovers. Mark Graham, the landlord of the Star Inn, charges diners £2.40 for their leftover food, responding to what he describes as outrageous buffet behavior. Studies show that the average global food waste contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers at the University of Queensland have found that cognitive overload can lead people to take more food than they can eat, driven by instincts and fears of missing out. While penalizing waste may seem one solution, some studies suggest that smaller plates and rewards might be more effective at reducing overindulgence.