The Consumer and The Egg: Negotiating Eco-Labels on Food  

You are invited to participate in a study of the motivations of a consumer when choosing among the many eco-labels, terms and choices related to eggs.     My name is Michele  Knaus and I am a Graduate Student at Portland State University in the Leadership, Ecology, Culture and Learning Department. I hope to gain a better understanding about what consumers actually realize about the food system, certifications and “sustainability”  manipulation.  You will be one of one hundred or so participants chosen to participate in this study.  You are being asked to anonymously participate in the “survey of consumers” section of my research by answering the following questions regarding your motivations  when purchasing eggs and the thought process used to reach your buying decisions. At no time will your name be identified in reports, papers, or publications. 

You will have the opportunity to receive additional information on the results of my survey as well as  information about eco-labels if you want it.  This can be arranged by submitting your email on the home page of the eggsurvey.org website.  By submitting your email, you are saying that you would like to receive this information once it’s collected and processed.   Your email will not be linked to your survey answers.  Your participation in this survey indicates that you have read the information provided above and that are willing to participate.  You may withdraw at any time after starting the survey, should you choose  to discontinue your participation in this study. Not finishing the survey will delete any answers that you have already given. 

If you have any questions, please contact me at info@eggsurevey.org or mknaus@pdx.edu.   
Thank you for your time and participation.  

Michele Knaus Portland State University Portland, OR  February, 2008