Video of Blogging Microbes available online

The video recording for the event I organised and hosted on the 19th of September 2014, "Blogging Microbes - Communicating Microbiology to Netizens", see Here and Here, is now available online. 

The editing was performed by James Gurney (one of the speakers), and even though there are some missing parts due to camera issues, I believe that the video gives a nice idea of what was discussed and debated.

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Is Aquaponics Truly Sustainable

This are the things that had always been in my mind. Is aquaponics truly sustainable and green? There are few critics towards aquaponics that yet has to be answered by us the aquaponics enthusiast:

1. How could aquaponic be considered green provided it is powered by electricity. All of us know, our source of electricity power mostly comes from fossil burning that release carbon to the atmosphere. Thus makes aquaponics indirectly contribute to the release of unnecessary carbon compound into the atmosphere.
2. Most materials used for the construction of aquaponics actually is not truly green and sustainable. We all know, the grow bed is made of plastic, metal or wood (which sacrificed valuable commodity of the environment), PVC pipe, synthetic glue. These products that we used to construct aquaponics produced in factory that releases those unnecessary gases to the environment.
3. Some space required for aquaponic setup. It do consume the "fertile/non fertile" top soil. However being a person with green mind, we all do appreciate the value of the top soil, since we all know there are many ways to revive its usefulness and fertility. Since aquaponics located and covered the top soil with concrete, cement, tank or whatever, then how could it considered to be green, whereby the space used could be utilized to a greater value for the environment. Therefore, optimizing the usefulness of space also becomes an issue.

These are the things that we have to answer. It is not enough for us to justify how green and sustainable aquaponics are. The answer lies on our actions and creativity to make it truly sustainable. Aquaponics still has long way to go. However, I believe with our determination and effort to thinks and think, we definitely someday will find a way for aquaponics to make its way as a green and sustainable endeavor in food production.

I am really optimistic to see aquaponics will become one of the solution to the catastrophic environment that we faced today, "Food Shortage". I want to see my aquaponics set. Maybe I should ask my brother to email me 2 or 3 recent pictures of our aquaponics at our home.

"Peng tolong dulu ba kunun kasi email saya gambar latest aquaponic di rumah kalau ko balik nanti, hihi XD"

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Quick Video

Please excuse the noise :)

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Green Festival Organic Sustainable Green Living

Its Summer Time!!!!!

And with summer comes all the green! This past weekend I attended The Green Festival at Navy Pier, Chicago. It was a fun time and there was lots to see! 

I was invited by my friend Alice to go as she had heard about it. When arriving, we donated canned food at the door and got our wrist bands for free. Thats is always a good start. We were greeted by the Cliff Bar booth and sampled all their products, delicious. 

While walking around sampling on all the free organic food samples, we found a couple cool booths. MyTerraceFarmer.com had a cool idea.

It was similar to aquaponics but not quite. They set up a small worm composting bin next to their drip irrigated "greenhouse." The composting bin is placed ontop on the water reservoir so the vermitea (worm tea, compost tea, etc.) dripped into it adding the nutrients. Very cool idea.

Another booth we spent some time at was the Tower Garden, made by JuicePlus+. We talked with two very passionate representatives from the company. 

The Towers they had growing were looking great. This Tower is actually the home garden of one of the reps! She brought hers in to show the systems potential. As you can see it does quite well. Inside the tower, there is a pump which makes it "rain" down on the roots. this allows for an even and often water supply. The plants love it and it does not take up too much floor space.

We took advantage of the beautiful day and walked along the bike path to Millennium Park. One of the reasons I love Chicago has to do with the public art, it is everywhere! And it is AWESOME!

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My Latest Aquaponics System

It has been so long since my last post.  Anyway, this is my latest aquaponic system, built on last June- July 2012. These pictures was sent by my brother in Sabah.

I am still experimenting the best possible and simplest system. One thing for in my opinion, every aquaponic system should have some filtration system, regardless of the techniques used (media bed, deep water culture, nutrient rich technique and whatever), filtration system is really crucial.

In this system, the water level is constant, and I think, some adjustment should be done. The media is quite alkaline, around ph 7.5 to 8. However my mom said the fishes are great and healthy.

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Big Data Initiative in the University of Nottingham video

Video of the Big Data Initiative in the University of Nottingham. Big Data is one of my passions, but unfortunately the work load did not allow me to participate as I so wished for. Nevertheless, the University of Nottingham, usually ahead of its counterparts, shares the video with the community, thus we can all learn and thrive from those who command this subject on a daily basis. I hope you enjoy!

 

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