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Article
Measuring the Effects of Food Carbon Footprint Training on Consumer Knowledge, Transfer Intentions, and Environmental Self-Efficacy
Sustainability: The Journal of Record
  • Wayne Wakeland, Portland State University
  • Lindsay Sears, Clemson University
  • Kumar Venkat, CleanMetrics Corporation
Document Type
Post-Print
Publication Date
2-1-2009
Subjects
  • Sustainability -- Economic aspects,
  • Environmental impact analysis,
  • Consumer behavior
Abstract

The supply chains through which foods are produced, processed, and transported can have a significant impact on the environment in terms of the carbon dioxide (CO2) that is emitted during each of these phases; however, little research has incorporated information about environmental impact into supply chain scenarios. Moreover, many consumers are unaware of how their food choices may impact the environment in this way. To fill these gaps, a tool called CarbonScope was developed to show consumers the CO2 emissions associated with different food types and food transportation scenarios. A short training was designed that walks participants through various food scenarios using CarbonScope. Participants from a major urban university were given pre- and post-training surveys to capture a) user reactions, b) learning gains, c) intentions to transfer the knowledge gained, and d) changes in beliefs about their individual environmental impact. The training resulted in significantly higher post-training knowledge test scores and environmental impact beliefs. Furthermore, most participants indicated that they intend to use the knowledge they gained from the training than not.

Description

This is the author version of an article subsequently published in Sustainability: The Journal of Record © 2009 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. The published version of record is available online at:

https://doi.org/10.1089/SUS.2009.9900

DOI
10.1089/SUS.2009.9900
Persistent Identifier
http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/10635
Citation Information
Wakeland, W., Sears, L., & Venkat, K. (2009). Measuring the Effects of Food Carbon Footprint Training on Consumers. Sustainability: The Journal Of Record, 2(1), 45-52.