Welcome to our weekly newsletter focusing on environmental trends and solutions driving us towards a more sustainable future. Hi, I’m Bridget. I came across an innovative food security initiative with environmental benefits related to greenhouses that caught my attention.
This week’s highlights include a Canadian company claiming to have developed a more eco-friendly greenhouse, insights on the increasing costs of floods, and strategies to cope with Canada’s extended and harsh allergy seasons.
Canadian entrepreneurs Benjamin Feagin Jr. and Fabian Velez founded AgriTech North to address food security issues. They have introduced a patented greenhouse technology aimed at offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to communities. Their mission is to make fresh produce more affordable, especially in remote areas where prices are currently high.
AgriTech North’s greenhouse features a unique plastic envelope that significantly reduces heat loss during winter compared to traditional glass greenhouses. Their 10,000-square-foot test unit in Dryden not only serves as a research facility but also supports local food businesses and provides fresh produce to over 1,000 families.
Unlike conventional greenhouses that vent outdoors to regulate temperature, AgriTech North’s system employs efficient climate control mechanisms like heating, air conditioning, and dehumidification. This design minimizes heat loss in winter and prevents pest infestations.
Despite the promising technology, funding remains a key obstacle for commercialization. Feagin emphasizes the importance of keeping production and manufacturing processes within Canada, reflecting the company’s commitment to local sustainability.
In response to worsening allergy seasons in Canada, experts attribute the prolonged and severe pollen exposure to climate change. The rise in pollen counts is affecting regions like Vancouver and Victoria, where tree pollen allergies are particularly intense due to warmer climates.
To manage allergy symptoms effectively, individuals are advised to consider various prevention strategies, over-the-counter medications, and emerging treatments like desensitization therapy. Understanding personal triggers through allergy testing is crucial for effective symptom management.
For any questions, feedback, or story ideas, feel free to reach out to us at whatonearth@cbc.ca. Stay tuned for our weekly newsletter delivery every Thursday.
Editors: Emily Chung and Hannah Hoag | Logo design: Sködt McNalty