Peeponics - hydroponics without the chemicals, aquaponics without the fish.

www.bioponica.org Ahhhh, the wonders of the internet. From around the world we are learning more and more how others are creating their own models of sustainability. There is a strong argument that urine therapy is something of a natural supplement, suited only to the individual producing it as it helps reclaim lost hormones, amino acids, minerals, trace element, vitamins and nitrogen rich ureas. Urine ingestion is practiced in Ayurvedic eastern medicine though shunned in western medicine,.but then again, maggot, honey and leech treatments were formerly shunned and are now studied widely in US medical schools. Whether squeemish about the idea, or not, urine is recycled into our food and medicine through animal waste composting, estrogen supplements, and in urea containing cosmetics. Medicine, agriculture and nutrition industries depend on it. As a self prescribed therapy or as a plant nutrition, Under the correct circumstances urine will one day be recognized worldwide, as one of our most precious commodities, self made, not to be wasted. Before diving into peeponics as a gardening method, it is important to understand that clean catch urine from a non-infected or non-contaminated source is important. Do not ingest others urine or food raised from urine, without a proper blackwater management plan, ie filtering, oxygenation, clarification, etc. When handled properly there is little to risk and big to gain. Urine has the potential to replace fish in aquaponic systems (scarcity, lack of local demand, urgency to get started with aquaponics when large fish not available etc). Urine turned potable has been used by Nasa in space, it's time to bring to the village, to the community and to the backyard. This means food production without synthetic or externally sourced fertilizers. Dr David Epstein, D.O., founder of Earth Solutions developed the Farm in a Box aquaponic gardens for homes and schools. Contact him at drdave@bioponica.org to find out about bioponics integrating tilapia, crawfish, duckweed, algae and carbon.