Living in an urban environment makes the acquisition of organic and fresh foodstuffs increasingly difficult, not to mention expensive. To try to combat the increased cost of living, and to help people be self-sufficient without having to move to the countryside, The Biospheric Foundation has been created to transform parts of the cityscape into innovative sustainable food systems. Setting up in a derelict mill on the banks of the River Irwell, the foundation uses agroforestry, aquaponics and vermiponics in its bid to keep the city growing as it inevitably expands. To help the citizens of Manchester and Salford do this in their own homes, Manchester International Festival will be putting on a number of free workshops in conjunction with The Biospheric Foundation, in the hope that people will enter a self sustaining lifestyle of their own. From growing edible mushrooms in your cupboard to composting with worms, the workshops offer a chance to build a biosphere in your own flat. Places are limited so make sure you book early and start saving the world from your own home.
Every Thu from 16 May – 20 Jun, The Biospheric Project, Irwell House, East Philip Street, Salford, M3 7LE, Tel: 0161 8174535, FREE – book by emailing kate.houlton@mif.co.uk, www.mif.co.uk
- Words:
- John Stansfield
- Published on:
- Fri 10 May 2013