Davis study details food waste issues

A new study published by AirUCI faculty Steve Davis the problem of and its effect on the environment.  While eliminating food waste should reduce adverse environmental effects of food production, the study found a “rebound effect” whereby efficiency improvements cause price decreases so consumption increases. They suggest that this outcome could offset up to 71 percent of the benefits of cutting down on food loss and waste. “There is a tension between the two objectives of eliminating food waste and increasing food security,” Steve says. “Improving supply chain efficiency and thereby lowering food costs could help make food more affordable in less-advantaged countries. But, especially in those places, we may need to adjust our expectations about the environmental benefits of avoiding waste and loss.”  Read the article