BEIJING, Nov. 17 (Xinhuanet) — Most Chinese surveyed still think food waste is a problem, according to a questionaire published this year by Guangming Daily.

The survey, which interviewed 1,180 students and teachers in China across universities, middle and primary schools, showed 38 percent feel campus waste is a "very serious problem," 43 percent think it is "somewhat serious" and 16 percent say it is "under control."

Local Chinese weighed-in on the issue. "I think food waste is still a problem at present," said Ashley Miao in an interview with Xinhuanet.

"For the factors that contribute to this, I think it has something to do with the hospitality of Chinese people," said Ashley.

"We prepare more food than enough because we think it is the right way to treat our guests," she said.

According to Guangming's survey, when asked about the causes of food waste 33 percent of respondents listed "unable to finish" while "food doesn't taste good" accounted for 46 percent.

The survey's results may indicate food waste is a persistent problem among youth.

A young lady surnamed Shi from Jiangsu in eastern China gave her view to Xinhuanet.

"I feel that food waste is especially an issue for young people — there are so many choices of food for them to choose from. So younger people may get into bad habits," said Shi.

However, there were respondents who think the "Clean Your Plate" campaign has made a positive impact.

As part of Guangming's survey, one student told reporters: "After the food saving campaign, the food waste situation has improved a lot, but in general there are still leftovers," noted Xu Xiao, referring to the situation at one school.

One expert hopes that with coordinated efforts, further progress can be made in tackling the problem.

Eradicating the problem requires concerted efforts from parents, schools and society, Li Mingliang, professor at the International Business School of Tianjin Foreign Studies University, told Guangming.

Our interviewee pointed to the proclivity for saving in Chinese culture as part of the solution.

Shi told reporters "In China we have a saying, 'enough is as good as a feast.'"

"These days, I am making more efforts to save food. I cook for myself these days and can save the leftover food for another meal," said Shi. 

(Source: Xinhua)