Consumer Technology for Sustainable Food Practices : the impact of mobile applications on consumer food behaviour

Abstract: A food system is a long chain of activities comprised and contributed by multiple industry inputs and processes where a consumer in the food system is typically represented at the end of the value chain. A sustainable food system recognises the various influencing factors throughout the value chain and considers social, economic, and environmental impacts along all steps. With a system thinking approach to a sustainable food system, this thesis explores the use cases of consumer technology in driving consumer behaviour toward more sustainable food practices. Through triangulation data collection comprising of a literature review, corporate material, and corporate interviews, mobile applications which aim to track user carbon emissions and behaviours are evaluated for their ability to influence consumers toward more sustainable food habits. A qualitative review is conducted comprising of six companies utilising consumer technology and applying behavioural economics to promote more sustainable actions. An individual’s carbon emissions produced by their food choices can be considered minimal in comparison to an entire food system or even global emissions, consumers can be viewed as a driver for change within an industry. Consumers may exhibit habitual decision-making processes that can become more cognitive and extended through nudges, education, and suggested actions. Consumer technology values (primarily hedonistic, egoist, social, and utilitarian) must be addressed for apps to have a continued value and long-term use by an individual. Data collection, accuracy in reporting, and scalability are challenges faced by companies providing carbon or sustainability tracking mobile applications.