US (PA): A look at the country's first vegan-certified hydroponic vertical farm
In a piece shared by Eco Watch, the farm boast no pesticides, herbicides, animal manure, or animal bi-products, with certification from the American Vegetarian Association. Avoiding manure means eliminating a main cause for food poisoning, so they rely on carnivorous plants to lure and kill bugs instead.
The team is hoping to convert solar energy, but currently uses robotics to reduce the energy put out to artificially light and control the climate of this urban pasture.
120,000 plants grow, with herbs, greens and tomatoes yielding the majority of their year round crop. They utilize 98 percent less water then a standard farming operation through hydroponic recirculation, and use 82 percent less energy compared to their conventional and organic competitors.
Read more at Ecorazzi