Speculative Design for Ecological Literacy: Envisioning a Food Carbon Emissions Labeling System

This thesis identifies one of the most significant causes of carbon emissions (CO2e) which is the production and transportation of animal products from producers to consumers. To envision a speculative ecological future and design, or, an alternative present as Speculative Design advocates, this thesis references environmental policy processes for the implementation of a new unit of measure, the CO2e gram. Canadian food laws can be influenced by a third-party actor, such as a non-governmental organization, that will significantly aid in influencing consumers. To implement the carbon labeling system, this thesis references the organic and non-gmo labels, as well as the Rainforest Alliance certified seal of approval by the Forest Stewardship Council and their applications. Through a series of Speculative Design works for a carbon label system, this thesis argues that the projects within the system will provoke consumer awareness, enabling the public to think, question and adopt a low-carbon lifestyle. This movement will pressure the Canadian government to implement a new policy that requires food packaging to include the CO2e label, indicating that a product is low-carbon. This new policy will influence consumer behaviour, transitioning the public towards to a more sustainable lifestyle, through their eating choices, that will contribute to attaining a sustainable, post-carbon future.