AtmoBloom: From Scrap To Sky

From Scrap To Sky. We will bring scrap that we commonly see in household item waste such as plastic bottles and paint buckets, into something that we can use to provide food to the table. The name of our project title is AtmoBloom. Atmo refers to the word "atmosphere," which highlights our implementation of aeroponics techniques in planting. It is a method where the roots of the vegetables are suspended in the air instead of soil or water. Besides that, "atmo" also refers to our vertical tower aeroponic system, which allows the plant to grow in the atmosphere. Bloom indicates the green vegetables that will bloom within our vertical tower aeroponics system.

We will be collaborating with school around UPM to install the aeroponic vertical towers at their place. Our project is about creating awareness on sustainability as we use recycled materials to build the vertical towers. We want to engage with the students to give exposure about agriculture and sustainable practices. Apart from that, we will be creating activities with the students to develop self-determined learners. The reason why we use vertical farming is because it is  a space-saving farming method. By doing vertical farming, we can harvest roughly around 36 plants per tower. 

Our vertical tower is different from other commercial vertical towers in that we use recycled plastic bottles as the tower structure. We will stack our vertical tower and customise it to have slots to put the netting pot. This is one of the initiatives for us to reuse the common waste in our country, plastic bottles. Apart from that, we will be using a biofertilizer which is Effective Microorganisms (EM). EM is a blend of microorganisms that will enhance the soil quality and quality of crops. This EM solution will be mixed into the water in the container as well as nutrient solution.

Lastly, we will be expanding our main project to include other side projects, such as a DIY  kit and selling the harvest products. By doing this DIY activity, we will provide an opportunity for the public to build their own vertical tower and plant vegetables. 

1. To instil analytical thinking, time management and entrepreneurship to the teenagers.
2. To give better understanding about agriculture to the younger generation.
3. To promote awareness of the work involved in the food people consume daily.
4. To utilise the waste products from one of the major contributors to environmental pollution in Malaysia which is plastic.

1. Discussion and project design.
2. Find the source of recycled materials from the local recycling centre to build the aeroponic tower.
3. Start to develop the product by gathering the materials and information that has been collected. 

• Gather the materials needed to build the vertical tower and put it into testing.

4. Testing and improvement.

• Identify problems that arise during the testing period.

5. Develop a module for the DIY kit. 

• Construct a clear and detailed module for the public to learn about aeroponic vertical farming, maintenance of the vegetable plants and knowledge on reusing plastic waste. 

6. Demonstrate, teach and build 36 AtmoBloom’s Towers at school.
7. Initiate a programme called ‘Microbe’s Adopted Home’.
8. Visiting the school once a month to observe and check the AtmoBloom’s progression.
9. Helps students harvest their crops.
10. Market the vegetables to the neighbourhood.
11. Collect data and documentation of the project.

1. Educational opportunities 

Our project, aligning with SDG 9 (Sustainable Development Goal 9) : Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure will provide valuable educational opportunities for students as vertical aeroponic towers are installed on each floor. By incorporating sustainable agricultural practices, urban gardening, and the methods of aeroponic cultivation, we aim to foster a deep understanding on how technological advancements and sustainable infrastructure can contribute to addressing global challenges. In addition, hands-on experience helps students to develop a sense of responsibility towards nature, and potentially find inspiration for future career paths related to green technologies. 

2. Healthier lifestyle choices 

The installation of vertical aeroponic towers will follow the SDG 3 (Sustainable Development Goal 3) which is about Good Health and Well-being. Growing fresh and nutritious products provides students with easy access to fresh and nutritious produce directly from their college floors, aligned with promoting healthier lifestyle choices. Moreover, since this vertical aeroponic tower will be a DIY kit, the community can also harvest their own produce. By growing their own produce, both parties can have direct access to fresh, nutritious, and pesticide-free products. This will contribute to healthier eating habits for them since they are constantly supplied with healthy and nourishing foods, and it will raise awareness about the benefits of locally grown, sustainable foods. 

3. Business skills development 

Involvement in selling harvested products encourages students to develop essential business skills which also aligns with SDG 8 (Sustainable Development Goal 8) : Decent Work and Economic Growth). Students can learn about pricing, marketing, inventory management, customer service, and financial management. This hands-on experience will foster an entrepreneurial mindset and provide students with practical skills that can encourage the creation of job opportunities in the sustainable economic growth. Moreover, students can think creatively, identify market opportunities and embrace calculated risks. This also promotes an entrepreneurial mindset marked by innovation, resourcefulness and adaptability. Thus, students have the chance to develop their problem-solving skills by identifying and meeting the needs of their target market. 

4. Environmental conservation 

The use of recycled plastic bottles in the projects helps to reduce the demand for new plastic production, which in turn conserves natural resources and reduces environmental pollution. Reducing environmental pollution is aligned with the SDG 13 (Sustainable Development Goal 13): Climate Action, which our project can have the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture by optimising resources and minimising land requirement. Moreover, it is also associated with SDG 12 (Sustainable Development Goal 12): Responsible Consumption and Production, which our project utilises recycled material for our hydroponic vertical towers. Using recycled material can reduce waste and minimise resource consumption. Furthermore, this can also serve as an educational opportunity to raise awareness among students and the community about the importance of recycling and upcycling. This encourages them to rethink waste as a valuable resource and promotes a more sustainable mindset.