Innovator: İlknur Birer, https://www.facebook.com/berceste.55.b?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Organisation: Türk Telekom Mesleki ve Teknik Anadolu Lisesi, Samsun
Setting of the practice: Face to face
Description of the practice:
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the profound significance of maintaining healthy eating habits and fostering a resilient food system within our society. In this context, the European Commission took a pioneering step by introducing;From Farm to Table; strategy as part of the European Green Deal in 2019. This strategy outlines specific goals, including the reduction of pesticide and fertilizer usage and the promotion of organic farming practices to revolutionize the European Union food system. One innovative approach gaining traction in this pursuit is the adoption of vertical farming systems. Differing from traditional agricultural methods, vertical farms maximize cultivation area by stacking multiple layers within the same floor space. These systems have emerged as a preferred choice to address our growing food demands sustainably.
Establishing a Sustainable Vertical Greenhouse
We are embarking on an exciting project to establish a sustainable vertical greenhouse in our community. What makes this project unique is our commitment to environmental sustainability and active involvement from various stakeholders. Here are some key factors to consider:
Use of Waste Materials: Our vertical greenhouse was constructed using reclaimed and recycled materials. These materials include old school desks, waste plastic, and wood. This approach not only reduces our environmental footprint but also showcases the potential of upcycling.
Involvement of School Teachers and Staff: At every stage of this project, our dedicated school teachers and staff members have played a pivotal role. Their expertise and commitment have contributed significantly to the modification of the vertical greenhouse and the project room.
Student Participation: Perhaps the most critical element of this project is the active involvement of our students. They have taken on major roles in various stages of the project, demonstrating their dedication to sustainability and hands-on learning.
Community Engagement: Beyond the school, we have engaged with our local community, including the municipality, district mayor, educational managers, and other relevant authorities. Their support and collaboration have been instrumental in the success of this initiative.
Water Efficiency: Vertical greenhouse cultivation is known for its efficient water usage. Our greenhouse utilizes significantly less water compared to traditional soil-based cultivation. We achieve this through, fish water and the use of cocopit, which retains moisture eight times better than soil, resulting in increased crop yields.
Rainwater Harvesting: To further minimize our water footprint, we have implemented a rainwater harvesting system. This system collects rainwater from the roof and channels it to the greenhouse. This rainwater is then primarily used for watering the plants, reducing the need for external water sources.
Educational Impact: A noteworthy outcome of this project is the realization among students that they can produce a variety of vegetables in limited spaces at home. This newfound knowledge empowers them to make sustainable choices and improve their quality of life.
By incorporating these factors into our project, we are not only creating a sustainable vertical greenhouse but also fostering a sense of responsibility and environmental consciousness within our school and community. Together, we are making a positive impact on our environment and the lives of our students.
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