Consumers and businesses alike are becoming more and more aware of the importance of reducing food miles wherever possible. In some locations, particularly large cities, it can be challenging to grow fresh foods closeby.
There is a new venture starting in a used shipping container in Cardiff that could indicate how we can grow more food in a more efficient way in the future.
Wales Online reported that Cardiff Council is planning to set up hydroponic growing centres in used shipping containers around the city as part of its plan to make the city carbon neutral by 2030.
A trial will be set up at Bute Park, where fresh food will be grown in a manner that uses considerably less water and land than traditional farming.
Speaking to the publication, councillor Michael Michael, cabinet member for the environment, explained: “You can grow in that one container equivalent to three and a half acres, because it’s 24 hours a day.”
He added that he is a “great believer in this technology”, stating, “If you can grow basil hydroponically in Scunthorpe, then why would you fly it in from Kenya?” Reducing food miles and the amount of land needed for farming are among the benefits to this approach.
The concept of using hydroponics to grow food more locally is being used in other cities too. The Evening Standard recently revealed that London now has its first delivery service for vertically farmed vegetables, that are all grown hydroponically in three shipping containers on the Isle of Dogs.
If you’re interested in this concept and want to find a used shipping container for sale in the UK that’s suitable for this kind of venture, get in touch with us today.