Reducing Water Scarcity by Reducing Food Loss and Waste

Abstract

Water scarcity is a pervasive threat to society that is expected to intensify alongside a growing and more affluent population and a changing climate. In this paper, we review the existing literature to assess the potential of lessening water scarcity by reducing food loss and waste. Existing studies reveal the scope of food loss and waste and its accompanying impact on water resources, thereby providing a foundation for policy action. We highlight existing or proposed food loss and waste reduction measures and review available evidence concerning their impact on water resources. Our review reveals that there is a deficit of research that can guide specific policy interventions aimed at mitigating water scarcity by reducing food loss and waste. Instead, the last decade of research has primarily focused on quantifying the current water footprint of food loss and waste for different locations, points within the supply chain, and food groups. Yet, the degree of uncertainty inherent in these estimates, their lack of precision, and several simplifying assumptions make it difficult to translate this research into robust policy measures to reduce the environmental burden of food loss and waste. We conclude by advancing a research agenda that will (i) quantify and reduce uncertainty through enhanced data collection and methods; (ii) holistically assess policy measures, including system level impacts and feedback; (iii) develop methods and technologies for transparent supply chain tracing. Together, advances in these areas will guide and ground food loss and waste policy toward reducing water scarcity.

COVID-19 Reveals Vulnerabilities of the Food–Energy–Water Nexus to Viral Pandemics

“…76 The second-order impacts of food waste on energy and water waste are increasingly appreciated, but papers returned by our review did not address this. 77 We are aware of reports of legionella proliferating in stagnant water in pipes and tanks of buildings shut down following physical distancing orders. 78 This is particularly concerning given the risks associated with SARS-CoV-2/legionella coinfection.…”

Achieving the Food Security Strategy by Quantifying Food Loss and Waste. A Case Study of the Chinese Economy

“…Furthermore, FLW has negative effects on the environment through the waste of water and land, CO 2 , N 2 O, and CH 4 emissions that cause climate change and damage to biodiversity [37,38]. The deterioration of the environment in turn has negative effects on agriculture, generating a vicious circle [15].…”

The Role of the Food Banks in Saving Freshwater Resources through Reducing Food Waste: The Case of the Food Bank of Navarra, Spain

“…There are several studies that analyse the environmental impacts associated with food waste along the entire food supply chain. They include impacts related to global warming, water, photochemical ozone formation, eutrophication, human toxicity, fossil resource depletion, acidification, particulate matter and eco-toxicity [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. The lower the food waste, the lower the environmental impact.…”

“…The lower the food waste, the lower the environmental impact. Particularly, food waste has a significant impact on freshwater use, as agriculture is responsible for over 90 percent of global water consumption [ 12 , 13 ]. Several studies have quantified the impacts of food waste on water resources in different contexts and terms [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”

“…Particularly, food waste has a significant impact on freshwater use, as agriculture is responsible for over 90 percent of global water consumption [ 12 , 13 ]. Several studies have quantified the impacts of food waste on water resources in different contexts and terms [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. There is only one study published by Reynolds et al [ 14 ] that has quantified the positive effects of food rescue at the macro level, at the national level in Australia, applying input–output analysis.…”