0
0
In an era where climate change is a pressing global issue, a new study suggests that better food labeling could help consumers make more sustainable dietary choices. Researchers have found that explicitly identifying foods as animal- or plant-based on carbon labels significantly influences consumer behavior, encouraging a shift towards lower-emission, plant-based meals.
The Knowledge Gap in Food Carbon Emissions
Most consumers are unaware of the stark differences in greenhouse gas emissions between animal-based and plant-based foods. For example, producing one kilogram of beef emits approximately 60 kg of greenhouse gases, while the same amount of peas produces just 1 kg of emissions. However, many people underestimate this gap, which hinders their ability to make climate-conscious choices.
Agriculture is responsible for nearly one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, with meat and dairy production contributing the largest share. In Australia, meat products alone account for nearly half (49%) of all food-related emissions in households. Despite the growing awareness of sustainability, the lack of accessible information prevents many consumers from making informed choices.
A New Approach to Carbon Labeling
Traditional carbon labels typically display a numerical carbon footprint and use a traffic-light color system to indicate environmental impact, from green (low) to red (high). However, these labels often fail to indicate whether the food source is animal- or plant-based, making it difficult for consumers to connect emissions with specific dietary choices.
To bridge this gap, researchers have designed a new carbon label that prominently displays whether a food product is derived from animals or plants, alongside the standard emissions score and traffic-light system. This approach helps consumers recognize the connection between food sources and their environmental impact more effectively.
Testing the New Label
The effectiveness of this labeling system was tested in a series of experiments involving 1,817 participants from Australia, the United States, and the Netherlands. In one study, participants who viewed the new carbon labels were more likely to associate animal-based foods with higher emissions compared to those exposed to standard labels.
Another experiment in Australia involved participants selecting five meals from a list of ten options—five plant-based and five animal-based. Those who saw the new carbon labels chose fewer animal-based meals compared to those who did not see labels, indicating a positive shift toward climate-friendly eating habits. A similar study conducted in the Netherlands found that university students exposed to the labels were more likely to choose plant-based snack options over animal-based ones.
Beyond Knowledge: Encouraging Action
Even among consumers who are already committed to sustainable eating, the study found that many lacked accurate knowledge about the emissions of different foods. However, when provided with clear, source-based carbon labels, they were more likely to adjust their choices accordingly.
This research highlights the need for businesses and policymakers to rethink how food labels communicate environmental impact. Simply displaying carbon numbers may not be enough—identifying food sources could be the key to nudging consumers towards sustainable dietary decisions.
A Step Towards Climate Action
As countries like Australia strive to meet their climate commitments, equipping consumers with the right information about their food choices will be crucial. Many sustainability efforts in retail currently focus on recyclable packaging and local produce, but shifting towards plant-based foods has a far greater impact on reducing emissions.
Forward-thinking food companies and restaurants are already experimenting with carbon labeling to encourage climate-conscious dining. With the introduction of this new labeling system, businesses have an opportunity to align consumer habits with meaningful environmental action.
Disclaimer
This article is based on research findings and is intended for informational purposes only. The effectiveness of carbon labels may vary depending on consumer behavior and market dynamics. Further studies and policy evaluations may be required to determine the long-term impact of such labeling systems on food consumption and climate change mitigation.
