Written by Becca Poole
I have numerous garden related memories, but one of my fondest is making homemade Caesar salad with my mom, utilizing her famous recipe. That recipe has always been a family favorite, and now I’ve added my own sustainable twist. My boyfriend and I started our own hydroponic garden after being inspired by EPCOT’s Living with the Land ride, which explores how humans can interact with nature while producing food sustainably. We use this method to grow our own ingredients. It is so meaningful to continue my mom’s tradition while embracing sustainability and cultivating the ingredients myself. This post will delve into how each component has inspired me to make sustainable changes and how it shaped my view on sustainability.
Disney Inspirations
I have always felt personally connected to the ride Living With The Land in Walt Disney World’s EPCOT. While most kids found this ride boring, I have always been completely fascinated by it.
Living with the Land is a boat ride that explores how humans can work with nature to grow food sustainably. The attraction begins by showing different ecosystems like rainforests and deserts, then moves through scenes that explain how farming has evolved and how it affects the environment. The highlight of the ride is a real, working greenhouse where Disney scientists use innovative techniques such as hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics to grow crops and raise fish. The ride teaches guests about sustainability, the importance of balancing human needs with the environment, and the creative ways we can produce food for the future.
What Are Hydroponics?
Hydroponics are a method of growing plants without soil. Instead of getting nutrients from dirt, the plants grow in a nutrient-rich water solution that provides everything they need such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other minerals. The plant roots are either suspended directly in the water or supported by materials like sand, gravel, or clay pellets that hold them in place. This system allows for precise control of nutrients, light, and temperature, which helps plants grow faster and use less water than traditional farming. Because hydroponic systems can be used indoors or in greenhouses, they’re ideal for places with poor soil or limited space.
Family Traditions Reimagined
My mom’s Caesar salad has always been a family favorite, and now I’ve given it a sustainable twist. Inspired by Living with the Land at EPCOT, my boyfriend and I started a small hydroponic garden where we grow our own romaine and kale. Using home-grown greens makes the salad taste even fresher, and hydroponics lets us grow food year-round while using less water. I hope to start growing my own lemons and garlic next, which are two key ingredients in the dressing. Each time I make it, I feel connected to my mom’s tradition while carrying it forward in a way that’s better for the planet.
