An aquaponics system is a home-farming practice that pairs fish and vegetable growth into a single, self-contained and self-sustaining system. It serves as a closed loop system, where fish waste fertilizes vegetables and vegetables filter water for fish reuse. Both systems complement one another, creating a cyclic and symbiotic relationship.

 

There are 3 major benefits to aquaponics systems:

1. Less land

2. Less water

3. Less time

 

In addition, aquaponics systems grow organic food, can function both indoors and outdoors, do not need to be weeded, and are both sustainable and energy efficient!

 

Studies show that the way a food growing process progresses has enormous impact on our individual healths. Essentially, “the health of a crop is often maintained at the expense of the health value of the food that’s produced” (“Benefits of Aquaponics”). Because aquaponics systems grow non-GMO, organic foods that are free of pesticides, vegetables are generally much healthier. Not only are they free of pesticides and more sustainable, aquaponics systems are also 90% more water efficient (“Benefits of Aquaponics”). The food grown in aquaponics systems also grows more quickly and is more nutritious because it is allowed to fully develop. Growing your own fish also ensures that the fish are free of mercury and other contaminants.

 

Resources:

“Benefits of Aquaponics.” Endless Food Systems, www.endlessfoodsystems.com/nutritional-benefits/.