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Nudging The Food Basket Green: The Effects Of Commitment And Badges On The Carbon Footprint Of Food Shopping

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  • Luca Panzone

    (School of Natural and Environmental Science, Newcastle University
    The Alan Turing Institute)

  • Natasha Auch

    (The Alan Turing Institute)

  • Daniel Zizzo

    (School of Economics, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia)

Abstract

We use an incentive-compatible experimental online supermarket to test the role of commitment and badges in reducing the carbon footprint of grocery shopping. In the experiment, some participants had the opportunity to voluntarily commit to a low carbon footprint basket before their online grocery shopping; while the commitment was forced upon other participants. We also study the impact of an online badge as a soft reward for the achievement of a low carbon footprint basket. Participants from the general population shopped over two weeks, with the experimental stimuli only in week 2; and received their shopping baskets and any unspent budget. Results indicate that requesting a commitment prior to entering the store leads to a reduction in carbon footprint of 8-9%. The online badge led to non-significant reductions in carbon footprint. Commitment mechanisms, either forced or voluntary, appear effective in motivating an environmental goal and search for low-carbon options, particularly in those accepting the commitment.

Suggested Citation

  • Luca Panzone & Natasha Auch & Daniel Zizzo, 2022. "Nudging The Food Basket Green: The Effects Of Commitment And Badges On The Carbon Footprint Of Food Shopping," Discussion Papers Series 652, School of Economics, University of Queensland, Australia.
    • Handle: RePEc:qld:uq2004:652
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    Keywords

    sustainable consumption; commitment; field experiment; carbon footprint; food consumption.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C54 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Quantitative Policy Modeling
    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • Q18 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Policy; Food Policy; Animal Welfare Policy
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth

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