Ecological Footprint

Here are the 7 facts about our reckless use of nature’s limited resources:

1. UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization has reported that in the next 40 years we would have to produce as much food as we have in the past 8000. 
2. US food waste volume equals 91 Empire State Buildings. Americans consume only half of the food they buy and the rest goes to waste. Often visitors from other countries notice that American portions are too big and it’s not always possible to fully consume a food product by “sell by” date. 
3. China and India populations doubled in only 12 and 17 years respectively, while it took the UK 155 years and the US 53 years to achieve the same. The world population is increasing at a high pace and the growth of developing markets will help to address poverty and hunger, but the global community must not forget about the future consequences of such growth.
4. 70% of the world population will be living in the cities by 2050. People who live in the cities consume more water and meat consumption in comparison to the ones living in rural areas. Simultaneously, one-third of the world's population is already impacted by water scarcity for at least one month each year, and this number is growing.
5. We rely far too much on corn, soybeans, wheat and rice which take up around %75 of global food production. One major change in weather caused by the ongoing climate change can negatively impact the supply. This will increase the prices and cause starvation. As an alternative, we could add more variability to our diets by adding cassava, sweet potatoes and amaranth.
6. Shrimp is the most valuable type of seafood consumed by Americans. Marine wildlife is harmed by exploitation and overfishing and responsible shrimp farming could help preserve our oceans.
7. Every minute, we lose 36 football fields of forests. Such loss is caused by unsustainable forest practices. Organizations like FSC and REDD create regulations on how to sustainably manage forests that are used in production.