Psychology says people who never throw food aren't necessarily refusing to waste food because they are stubborn or unwilling to spend money. The decision to keep food can involve emotions, memories and ideas about security. For some people, throwing away food can feel like losing something that may be needed later. Past experiences and family habits can also influence how people treat food and other belongings. This behavior can be understood through concepts such as loss aversion, the endowment effect and social learning. Looking at these factors can help explain why some people find it difficult to throw away food even when it is no longer useful.
