If you have to travel in or out of Chicago’s busy O’Hare International Airport, take a few minutes to enjoy some fresh organic produce grown right in the airport!
According to ABC News, as of Friday, O’Hare is home to the world’s first airport aeroponic garden, meaning that a solution of water and minerals is used instead of soil. The seeds start in small containers made out of “a natural volcanic ash material” and are moved into tall towers once they have grown. There are 44 types of organic vegetables and herbs growing in the garden, located in the rotunda building nestled between terminals, including swiss chard, chives and habanero peppers.
“It uses and recycles water. The water has nutrients in it that feeds the vegetables, so it’s using less land growing vertically instead of horizontally,” said Rosemarie Andolino, Aviation Commissioner. Andolino also hopes that it will improve the airport experience for travelers. ”It’s a constant opportunity to cultivate, educate and bring kind of a tranquil area to the airport.” With the produce already being served in some of the in-airport restaurants, she says hungry flyers will not be disappointed. “So you’re not eating airport food. You’re eating real good food that you would get at any restaurant in the city or elsewhere.”
About Jennifer Mishler
Jennifer is an animal advocate and activist. She is a volunteer coordinator with The Girls Gone Green, a nonprofit organization advocating for animals rights, veganism, and environmentalism. She is also an Onshore Volunteer with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, and a volunteer with CJ Acres Animal Rescue Farm, a nonprofit that rescues and rehabilitates farm animals. Along with writing for Ecorazzi, she writes about veganism and animal rights on her blog, A Dog's Eye View. She lives in Jacksonville, FL with her husband and their three animal friends. Follow Jennifer on Twitter: @jennygoneveganView all posts by Jennifer Mishler →
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