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The Effects of Food Waste on Wildlife and Humans

Author

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  • Thomas M. Newsome

    (School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University (Burwood Campus), Geelong, VIC 3125, Australia
    School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
    Global Trophic Cascades Program, Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
    School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA)

  • Lily M. Van Eeden

    (School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia)

Abstract

A reduction in the loss and waste of human food is a global issue for addressing poverty and hunger in poorer nations, and for reducing the environmental footprint of the agriculture sector. An emerging issue, however, is that food wasted by humans is often accessible to wildlife, affecting wildlife ecology and behaviour, as well as ecological processes and community dynamics. Here we highlight the extent of such impacts, drawing on examples from mammalian predators and other taxonomic groups. We then develop two conceptual models. The first shows how wildlife access to food waste can exacerbate human-wildlife conflicts. The second highlights that when food waste is removed, the effects on wildlife and ecosystem processes should be monitored. The conceptual models are important when considering that large quantities of food waste are intentionally and unintentionally provided to wildlife around the world. We conclude there is an urgent need to change the way people currently manage the food we produce.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas M. Newsome & Lily M. Van Eeden, 2017. "The Effects of Food Waste on Wildlife and Humans," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(7), pages 1-9, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:9:y:2017:i:7:p:1269-:d:105136
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thomas M Newsome & Guy-Anthony Ballard & Christopher R Dickman & Peter J S Fleming & Chris Howden, 2013. "Anthropogenic Resource Subsidies Determine Space Use by Australian Arid Zone Dingoes: An Improved Resource Selection Modelling Approach," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(5), pages 1-11, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Xue, Jingyan & Liu, Gengyuan & Casazza, Marco & Ulgiati, Sergio, 2018. "Development of an urban FEW nexus online analyzer to support urban circular economy strategy planning," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 164(C), pages 475-495.
    2. Rose Daphnee Tchonkouang & Helen Onyeaka & Taghi Miri, 2023. "From Waste to Plate: Exploring the Impact of Food Waste Valorisation on Achieving Zero Hunger," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-21, July.
    3. Andrew Gregory & Emma Spence & Paul Beier & Emily Garding, 2021. "Toward Best Management Practices for Ecological Corridors," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-25, February.
    4. Elżbieta Goryńska-Goldmann & Michał Gazdecki & Krystyna Rejman & Joanna Kobus-Cisowska & Sylwia Łaba & Robert Łaba, 2020. "How to Prevent Bread Losses in the Baking and Confectionery Industry?—Measurement, Causes, Management and Prevention," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-24, December.
    5. Manuel Herrador & Tran Tho Dat & Dinh Duc Truong & Le Thu Hoa & Katarzyna Å obacz, 2023. "The Unique Case Study of Circular Economy in Vietnam Remarking Recycling Craft Villages," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(3), pages 21582440231, September.

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