b'Written byMoira GulaIn the United States, the average individual consumes approximately 2,200 gallons (8,328 liters) of water each day, 1creating a massive "water footprint." That\'s enough water to fill60 bathtubs! 2A water footprint is the direct and indirect1VERTICAL FARMINGamount of freshwater used to produce all of the goods and services we consume. For example, your morning cup of coffee isn\'tVertical farming is an innovative solution for many just comprised of the water used to brew theof the problems associated with food production. beans, but the water used to grow, process,It is a form of indoor farming for small crops using and transport the coffee. On average, a cup ofLED lighting and climate-controlled rooms to mimic black coffee requires 37 gallons (140 liters) ofideal growing conditions for plants. The seeds are water to produce. 2 planted into cloth rather than soil, which reduces the need for water by 95%. These crops also grow Despite the importance of water to our planettwice as quickly and have larger yields due to and our lives, this resource is becomingthe ideal climate conditions. Vertical farming is increasingly threatened through events390 times more productive per square foot than like climate change and increased humantraditional, field-based farming. 5consumption. Although water scarcity is aAs impressive as this technology is, it is very energy-global problemone in three people do notintensive and quite expensive to implement. Using have access to safe drinking water 3 manyit on large staple crops, such as corn and wheat, individuals are not taking the necessary actionsis not economically feasible due to size and cost to address the issue.constraints. However, this technique provides impressive results for small, more costly crops like One way of reducing our water footprint is totender microgreens and herbs. 5 limit food waste1.3 billion tons of food is lostDue to high investment costs and advanced or wasted each year, accounting for 30% oftechnology, vertical farming at scale is better suited global food production. 4 for well-developed urban areas. While not suitable for all regions and crops, vertical farms can provide Here are seven other food-related actionsaccess to fresh food to growing urban populations that can directly reduce water consumption,that have not traditionally had access to locally some of which you can do at home! grown food. 6Whos Minding the Planet? 29'