Urban farming is quickly becoming one of the main channels of sourcing fresh produce in the country. It is considered to be ‘the future of food.’
Urban farming has several advantages over traditional farming; one is accessibility to all kinds of produce the whole year. Though it’s perceived to have several downsides, such as long-term sustainability, availability of space and a higher cost of maintenance, the practice of urban farming is growing across different areas.
The City of Sydney has even taken steps to partner with their residents to build healthy and sustainable urban farms and footpath gardens.
Learn more about the benefits of urban farming, its effects on the environment and the community and how Rapid Plas can help.
Environmental impact
Through urban farming, cities are utilising available land to meet the food needs of their communities. Local food systems, in turn, bear a significantly lesser impact on the environment.
Because deliveries are no longer needed, urban farming helps reduce carbon emissions from transport. There’s less food wastage with fresh produce round-the-clock.. Fewer pesticides are also needed to protect your farm’s yield.
Urban farming also helps cool cities. As urban areas develop, more buildings and roads are constructed. Urban infrastructure tends to retain and create more heat, with more concrete and bitumen used. Urban farming enables us to maximise more land and use the available natural resources.
As climates continue to climb to extreme heights, we need to build more urban farms to make our cities liveable and sustainable.
Social benefits
Urban farming has a huge potential to improve a community’s lifestyle and sense of connection.
Dr Matthew Dennis of the University of Salford conducted a study on the social sustainability of urban farming. Keeping and maintaining these spaces, Dr Dennis states, grants a community a sense of leadership and ownership. This contributes to a shared sense of responsibility and the desire to pass this on to future generations. He added that biodiversity adds appeal to visitors, which further enhances the community’s sense of pride for their shared farming spaces.
Utilising water tanks for your urban farm
Contrary to the criticism regarding higher maintenance costs, maintaining urban farms is actually more cost effective. Since urban farms fare high on sustainability, a water storage tank will cut down significant costs on resources.
When harvested properly, rainwater is a viable resource to nurture your plants. Rainwater also serves as the no-cost alternative to expensive and energy-intensive potable water. Proper water management prevents losing water to runoff and evaporation.
Investing in a slimline water storage tank is a good starting point for your budding urban farm. It also reduces your dependence on the city’s water supply.
Allow us to help you build your own urban farm
Rapid Plas is a provider of high-quality slimline water storage tanks and poly water tanks for homes and businesses. Our tanks are suitable for various commercial, residential and agricultural applications. Rainwater and pump packages are available for different sizes of households, establishments, plants and farms. Contact us on 1800 816 299 for enquiries
