The Impact of Our Food Choices on California’s Drought
Summary
In this article, we discuss the impact of food choices on California’s drought. While Governor Jerry Brown has issued mandatory water restrictions for municipal usage, agriculture continues to consume 80% of the state’s water. The article explores the water usage of different foods and suggests making more informed choices to help alleviate the drought.
Table of Contents
- Beef: The Worst Offender
- High-Water Consuming Foods
- Low-Water Options
- Beverages and Water Usage
- Making Informed Choices
- Conclusion
Beef: The Worst Offender
Beef is the worst offender in terms of water usage, requiring 638 gallons of water to produce just a 6-ounce piece. This is due to the amount of water needed to grow the crops that feed the cows, as well as the water needed to raise and process the cows themselves.
High-Water Consuming Foods
Lentils and garbanzo beans are also high-water consuming foods. On the other hand, eggs are the best protein option, using only 3.67 gallons of water per gram of protein. Okra and asparagus are high-water consuming vegetables, while carrots are a low-water option. Cherries are the highest water-consuming fruit, while strawberries are the lowest.
Low-Water Options
The article suggests that making more informed choices about the foods we consume can help alleviate the drought. For example, almonds are often criticized for their water usage, but they actually use less water than other foods like beef and chickpeas.
Beverages and Water Usage
Milk, orange juice, and wine are all beverages with varying levels of water usage. Beer, surprisingly, is also a significant water user. Brussels sprouts and potatoes are among the vegetables that require a lot of water.
Making Informed Choices
The article recommends a guide to produce that won’t worsen the drought, and encourages readers to share which food surprised them the most. It also suggests advocating for policy changes that address the water usage of agriculture, particularly the practice of shipping alfalfa overseas to feed cows.
Conclusion
Our food choices have a significant impact on California’s drought. By making more informed choices and advocating for policy changes, we can help alleviate the strain on the state’s water resources.
