Question

1. what other foods might you typically eat that were not listed on the website? (list three.)

a.
b.
c.

1. using what you know about the water it takes to produce other foods, estimate how many additional gallons you think it would take to produce the foods you listed in question 1.
2. were you surprised by the amount of water it takes to produce your food? why or why not?
3. assuming you would eat similar foods each day, how many gallons of water would it take to produce a years supply of food for you?
4. using the numbers from question 4, how many gallons would it take to produce a years supply of food for your entire household?
5. based on your findings, would you consider changing any of your food choices to conserve water? why or why not?
6. how do you think agriculture producers could work to ensure the water they are using to produce food is being used as efficiently as possible?
7. what do you value more when making food choices (cost, taste, health or sustainability)? how does water use factor into this?

Explanation:

Step1: Answer Question 1

Let's assume common foods not on a website could be strawberries, mushrooms, and tofu.
a. Strawberries
b. Mushrooms
c. Tofu

Step2: Answer Question 2

Strawberries: It takes about 18 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of strawberries. If we assume we eat 1 pound a week, for 52 weeks, that's 18×52 = 936 gallons. Mushrooms: Rough - estimate 3 gallons per pound, and if we eat 0.5 pounds a week, 3×0.5×52 = 78 gallons. Tofu: About 220 gallons per pound, if we eat 0.25 pounds a week, 220×0.25×52 = 2860 gallons. Total additional gallons = 936+78 + 2860=3874 gallons.

Step3: Answer Question 3

The answer may vary. For example, one might be surprised because the water - footprint of some foods like tofu is much higher than expected. Or not surprised if already aware of water - intensive foods.

Step4: Answer Question 4

Let's assume the daily food consumption has a water - footprint of 50 gallons (a rough estimate based on the above and other foods). In a year (365 days), it would take 50×365 = 18250 gallons.

Step5: Answer Question 5

If there are 4 people in the household and each has a similar food water - footprint as calculated in Question 4, then for the household it would take 18250×4 = 73000 gallons.

Step6: Answer Question 6

The answer may vary. For example, one might consider changing food choices to conserve water if they value sustainability highly. Or not change if taste or cost is a more important factor.

Step7: Answer Question 7

Agriculture producers could use drip - irrigation systems to reduce water waste, recycle water used in processing, and grow more drought - tolerant crops.

Step8: Answer Question 8

The answer may vary. For example, if one values health more, they might choose foods with a lower water - footprint if they are also healthy options. If taste is more important, they may not be as influenced by water use.

Answer:

1.
a. Strawberries
b. Mushrooms
c. Tofu

1. 3874 gallons
2. Varies based on personal awareness
3. 18250 gallons
4. 73000 gallons
5. Varies based on personal values
6. Use drip - irrigation, recycle water, grow drought - tolerant crops
7. Varies based on personal priorities