365 Ways to Save the Planet

Day 176 – Hydroponics is not new. It’s been around for a very long time. The earliest examples of hydroponics date back to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Floating Gardens of China. Humans used these techniques thousands of years ago. This method of growing plants without the use of soil is becoming more popular as the years go by, for various reasons. Unfortunately, one of the main reasons involves the increasing problem of global warming. We are going to find ourselves finding it more and more difficult to grow food using traditional methods due to the increase temperatures around the planet.

I ended up writing about this subject after seeing an advertisement for Lettuce Grow. The concept was not new to me, but I was intrigued by their product.

Here are a few things that impressed me.

1. You could have produce ready to be eaten within 3 weeks.
2. About 4 square feet needed compared to 40 square feet with traditional gardening.
3. A substantially less amount of water is needed compared to a traditional garden.
4. The Farmstand system is made from ocean bound plastic.
5. For every 10 Farmstands purchased, one is donated.

With anything, there are drawbacks. The Farmstand system needs constant power (as do most hydroponic systems), even if growing outside. This is a rather large drawback, especially not knowing what the cost of using that electricity over a long period of time.

I think it’s a great concept and Lettuce Grow is not the only company offering hydroponic systems. I think it’s something to consider when dealing with space issues and water use. If you’re feeling motivated enough, you could create your own electric free hydroponics system.

For now, I think the family and I will stick with the traditional gardening. Thankfully, here in the midwest, the weather has not become as extreme as in other parts of the country. I do believe, hydroponics will become a very popular option for growing food in our country and around the world. As the climate changes, we will have to find ways to adapt.

Tomorrow, an alternative to your plastic toothbrush.