In the context of urban living, vertical farming—often highlighted by Reuters as a promising solution for fresh food access—is seen as a way to cut down on the time and energy needed for growing and transporting produce, thus reducing its carbon footprint. The term "carbon footprint" refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual or group. However, a team of students at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is taking this concept further, aiming to use vertical agriculture to address basic nutritional deficiencies in underprivileged communities. They are developing an affordable system using simple tools and LED lighting, enabling people to grow their own fresh food at home or within their neighborhoods.
Poverty comes in many forms, but one of the most pressing issues is food poverty. This occurs when individuals lack the financial means to purchase nutritious food, even in wealthy nations. In some areas, known as "food deserts," fresh produce is either scarce or prohibitively expensive, leading to poor health outcomes and widespread malnutrition. These challenges are not just about hunger—they're about access to quality, healthy food that supports long-term well-being.
To tackle this issue, a student team from Engineers Without Borders (EWB), led by Jack Ronayne, an undergraduate student from CMU’s Engineering and Public Policy (EPP) and Chemical Engineering (ChemE) departments, has turned to vertical farming as a practical solution. Their goal is to empower communities by allowing them to grow their own food locally, improving nutrition and sustainability.
Kelvin Gregory, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at EWB, explained, “Many regions face limited access to fresh food due to distance, cost, or spoilage. We asked ourselves: Can people grow their own fruits and vegetables at home? The answer is yes—but it needs to be sustainable and low-impact. That’s why we’re focusing on vertical farming with efficient artificial lighting.â€
While some vertical farms resemble futuristic setups, the CMU team's approach is more straightforward. Their system consists of metal shelves available at local stores, covered with black plastic tarps to create a controlled environment. It resembles a small indoor greenhouse, making it accessible and easy to set up.
The system uses LED lights that can be programmed to flicker at different speeds, optimizing light exposure while minimizing energy use. This allows plants to grow efficiently without excessive power consumption.
Gregory added, “We’re focused on energy efficiency. LEDs are already more efficient than traditional bulbs, but their ability to turn on and off rapidly gives us an additional advantage. By adjusting the flashing frequency, we can determine the optimal light levels for maximum yield and minimal energy use.â€
The system is also designed to be scalable. While the current setup includes 40 tomato plants, it can easily be expanded to support larger community farms. This flexibility makes it a viable option for both individual households and local groups looking to improve food security.
Ultimately, the team hopes their research will lead to a future where fresh, healthy food is accessible to all, regardless of where they live or their economic background. With continued innovation and collaboration, vertical farming could become a powerful tool in the fight against global food insecurity.
Editor: Yan Zhixiang
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