Example of an aquaponics system in use
Summary: I propose growing vegetables and mushrooms through the installation of an aquaponics system in the basement of the storefront at 1447 W. Sylvania Avenue. This project will reduce food costs, promote self-sufficiency, and bring attention to the co-op.
Benefit: These items could be sold as locally sourced food in the storefront, increasing diversity and virtually eliminating the costs of certain produce. This unique method of growing could also function as an attraction, as members of the public increasingly become interested in sustainable and self-sufficient food production.
Background: Aquaponics uses the waste produced by fish to fertilize food in a low-maintenance, self-watering growing system. A water pump circulates water to a grow bed, which then trickles down to a tank below it filled with fish. Lights are also installed above the bed in lieu of natural sunlight being available.
Example of an aquaponics system in use
Construction requirements: With over 1,000 square feet available for use, we could build growing operations that would yield $1000 worth of produce every month. For a pilot program that utilizes a 30'×4' space, we would yield $72 worth of lettuce and other greens per month. Future crops could include tomatoes, herbs, garlic, peppers, cucumbers, beans, peas, squash, or cabbage.
Note: I am willing to volunteer all labor for construction and fundraise all material costs if this project is approved.
Necessary materials for the pilot program include a 40W water pump ($60), 5'×26' HDPE liner ($86), 45W lights ($40 × 7, or $280), 250 gallon basin ($219), wood and misc. screws ($100), suspension chains ($20), filter sand ($10 × 4, or $40), plants (donated), fish ($3), and a fan ($20). Total expected startup costs are thus about $828.
Maintenance requirements: Once constructed, a volunteer will need to commit one hour every two weeks toward harvesting, planting, and monitoring. Another volunteer will need to commit 15 minutes every week to adding compost.
Expected electric costs are estimated to be $8.04/month based on the co-ops current electric rate of .064KWH. This includes $7.36/month for 7 Erligpowht 45W Red/Blue LED hanging grow lights running 12 hours/day (and turned off by an automatic timer), $0.52/month for a 25W oscillating fan running 10 hours/day (and turned off by an automatic timer), and $0.16/month for a 40W water pump operating two hours a day (and turned off by an automatic timer).
Potential problems: We do not foresee any problems constructing or implementing this system. The mold that exists in the basement should not impact the vegetables grown in any way, though the humidity may increase due to evaporation. In this case, we could enclose the vegetable growing area using inexpensive plastic and plexiglass (estimated cost: ~$100).