Improving carbon footprint estimates of food items with a simple seeding procedure

Laypeople's estimates of carbon footprints have repeatedly shown to be deficient, which may hinder targeted behavior change reduce CO2 emissions. In an online study (N = 127), a vast underestimation for 60 food items was observed in on average highly educated convenience sample, confirming lack knowledge. Then, target footprint values small subset 15 “seeding” were provided, led large improvement second estimate both the seeding as well remaining transfer items. A lens model analysis showed that participants adjusted weighting several predictors correct direction due this simple intervention. It is argued although almost 30 years old, “seeding knowledge base” has probably been neglected effective low-cost intervention improving quantitative public. This especially important concerning societal problems rely adequate numerical regulation.