THERE'S WATER ON OUR PLATE

Why there is water on our plate?

Water, agriculture and food security

• Of all human activities, agriculture consumes the most water. It is responsible for 70% of worldwide consumption. Global food security is therefore reliant on the availability of water resources, which agriculture depends on.

How water travels to our plate

• Water is needed to irrigate fields, to maintain facilities, to give to livestock and to grow cereals that livestock feeds on.  Therefore, it takes between 2,000 and 5,000 litres of water to produce the food consumed by one person in a single day. This water—which ends up on our plates—is called virtual water as it is “hidden” in the food we eat.

Population growth and water resources

• Earth’s population—currently made up of some seven billion people—may reach nine billion by 2050, leading to predictions of a significant increase in demand for water. All these human beings will need water to drink and to fulfil their basic needs (hygiene, sanitation, food preparation), but also to produce the food they eat.
• Population growth inevitably brings a rise in demand for food, which has repercussions on the water resources needed for agricultural production.
• Economic growth—which improves people’s quality of life—influences dietary preferences in favour of foods, such as meat, whose production requires significant amounts of water. Demand for meat could increase by 100% by 2050, putting water resources under even greater pressure.

Food waste and water 

• 30% of the food currently produced worldwide is lost or wasted, even while close to a billion people suffer from hunger. This fact also affects the availability of water resources.

The impact of our eating habits and consumer choices 

• Consequently, our eating habits and consumer choices have an impact on water resources. Making wise choices and adopting responsible, carefully considered habits can have a positive effect on the availability of water and on food security across the world. Every action counts, and becoming aware of our habits and their impact is the first step toward lasting change. Together we can make a difference!
   

(Sources and Credits)

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WATER CRISIS!

COOK “LOW-WATER” RECIPES!  

Francois Martin, Cirque du Soleil’s chef, offers 4 succulent "low-water" recipes! Download them, cook them & try them! About François Martin Culinary artist Francois Martin, who is the dynamic Director of Food Services for Cirque du Soleil, has supported ONE DROP since its beginning. These four recipes elaborated with his team are original creations which he has kindly offered in order to support the "Water in our plate" campaign.

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