Subscribe now

Letter: On the dilemma of crops that use a lot of water (1)

Published 13 September 2023

From Averell Kingston, Sutton under Brailes, Warwickshire, UK

Graham Lawton mentions foods that use most water (26 August, p 36). Vanilla beans are at the top of the list. A lot are grown in Madagascar, a place where many people live in poverty. This raises a dilemma: should I be supporting their livelihoods or reducing my water consumption?

Issue no. 3456 published 16 September 2023

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop