Aquaponics and HydroPonics

I was sitting and sipping on my latte' watching my kids play and I decide to strike up a conversation with the lady next to me.  Both of our little girls had the same hair structure and she wanted to know what products that I used on my daughters hair that gave her the little kinks.  From that conversation, we went onto discuss what each of us did for our careers.

This lady was such a blessing to meet.  I truly believe that God places people in our lives right when the time is right, and today just happened to be it for me.  As my friend and I continue to structure our non profit organization, she just so happens to be a grant writer!  She had taken some time off from work, due to health concerns with her babies.  But now, she was back on the grind and excited to share with me her new experiences.

The reason I am so thrilled is because it had to do with technology.  And because I am a nerd, and I love it, she had me on the edge.  She discussed how she was seeking out grants with a couple science teachers to help disadvantaged children learn a trade while teach them mathematics, science, infused with technology and agriculture.  This is where its at.

Aquaponics and Aquaculture is a newly designed way to harness the ability to grow gardens all year long.  What it is, is a fluid farm that combines fish tanks with vegetable gardens.  Gardens growing lettuce, tomatoes, and all vegetables sit on top of the water with fish swimming at the bottom.  This symbiotic relationship causes the vegetables to be constantly fertilized by the waste of the fish.  Different types of fish are used such as trout, and tilapia.   Click here to link to a new organization in Yarmouth, Maine taking it all to the market.

  I have found in the last couple of years a growing interest in learning more about agriculture and sustainability.  Helping out in my aunt's garden has given me a lot of wisdom on how each type of vegetable and fruit like different types of conditions to survive.  In all honesty......its a TONNNN of work.  Mostly, backbreaking.  But in the last couple of years since I have been home, we have learned ways to get around that by producing raised beds.  This year, her garden looks amazing and has flourished unbelievably!

  What I discovered, is that I was just pondering the other day how to invest into our nonprofit organization the healthy vision for the company.  Many of the products that we have managed to coupon, are boxed items which alone have little nutrients.  If I could find a way to produce fresh produce and fruits to offer our customers, then we have set ourselves up for success and could offer the community free lunches and suppers complete.

  Then, my creativity started sinking in, and realized if this could be taught to other countries in need of food(i. e. third world countries). This spark has me envisioning more thoughts of which I will be posting soon.  Below is a quick video link of how the system works and how easy and manageable it truly is!  Some people are even making makeshift homemade systems in their own houses!

If you take a look back in history, you will find that the Indians used rotting fish in their soil to provide nutrients into their growing gardens!