Do People Respond to the Climate Impact of their Behavior? The Effect of Carbon Footprint Information on Grocery Purchases

Toke R. Fosgaard (), Alice Pizzo () and Sally Sadoff ()
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Toke R. Fosgaard: Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen
Alice Pizzo: Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen
Sally Sadoff: Rady School of Management, University of California, San Diego

No 2021/05, IFRO Working Paper from University of Copenhagen, Department of Food and Resource Economics

Abstract: Food production is a primary contributor to climate change with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions varying widely across food groups. In a randomized experiment, we examine the impact of providing individualized information on the GHG emissions of grocery purchases via a smartphone app, compared to providing information on spending. Carbon footprint information decreases GHG emissions from groceries by an estimated 27% in the first month of treatment, with an estimated 45% reduction in emissions from beef, the highest emissions food group. Treatment effects fade in the longer-run along with app engagement. However, we find evidence of persistent effects among those who remain engaged with the app. Our results suggest that individualized carbon footprint information can reduce the climate impact of food consumption but requires sustained engagement.

Keywords: Field Experiment; Pro-environmental Behavior; Carbon Footprint; Food Consumption; Consumer Behavior (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C93 D11 D91 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 26 pages
Date: 2021-06
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-agr, nep-ene, nep-env, nep-exp and nep-res
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:foi:wpaper:2021_05

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