biodesign collaboration:
the Ponic Project
Background history:
During quarantine, I picked up an aquarium hobby and even began aquascaping, however my two goldfish: Cheeto Head and Boba proved to be poor choices when it came to having a planted tank. They chewed through any foliage I planted and their messy nature lead me to turn to aquaponics. Aquaponics is putting fish to work. It just so happens that the work those fish do (eating and producing waste), is the perfect fertilizer for growing plants. And man, fish can grow a lot of plants when they get to work! (theaquaponicsource)
I would take the dirty water from my fishes' aquarium and use it water my garden. This proved to be the perfect hands on metaphor for understanding a circular economy. A circular economy is an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources. Circular systems employ reuse, sharing, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing and recycling to create a closed-loop system, minimising the use of resource inputs and the creation of waste, pollution and carbon emissions.


Current news:
We have spent the year speaking to experts in the field of biodesign: The Plant Chicago, Professor Linda Keane, The Gardeneers, and even The Chicago Tomato Man. It is truly inspiring to see similar organizations achieving such great community support and making a difference in their local communities.
Our site has resources for learning about aquaponics and vermiculture. We will continue to make curriculum centered around our circular economy prototype and find spaces that will house our design. We are excited to bring the world of aquaponics and vermiculture to those willing to learn and to people of all ages.
Follow @theponicproject on LinkedIn and Instagram to stay informed!

Cheeto Head & Boba
Unofficial Masots
of the Ponic Project