Consumer adapts to reduce nitrogen emissions

A large majority of the Dutch population (85%) is prepared to buy other foodstuffs if this contributes to the reduction of nitrogen emissions, according to a study conducted among a group of 1,062 Dutch people by Kien Onderzoek on behalf of Blije Kip.

Women (90%) are more willing to buy other food than men (80%). In addition, there are differences per age category; the willingness among young people is greater than among the elderly. The level of education also plays a role; 91% of highly educated people are willing to switch to other food compared to 79% of people with a lower education. 

Meat is by far the most commonly mentioned foodstuff for which people are prepared to buy a variant if it helps to reduce nitrogen emissions. Meat (64%) is followed by dairy (48%) and fish and eggs (both 40%). Many people are also willing to eat less meat (81%) or eat/drink less dairy (75%). 

White eggs better than brown 

One of the companies offering a variant of a foodstuff with less nitrogen load is Blije Kip (Happy Chicken). They have put so-called Whites on the market. Animal behaviourist Eva Topelberg: "Chickens that lay white eggs need less feed. Less feed means less emissions. The CO2 footprint is four percent lower. That doesn't seem like much, but every little bit helps".