Ideas in Hydroponics : Sustainability : Food Talks : Technology : Creativity & Design
Monday, December 19, 2011
Roger Doiron: My subversive (garden) plot
At TEDxDririgo, Roger Dorion talks about our current food system and how we can motivate each other to redefine what good food really is. How can we continue to feed our growing population as it exponentially skyrockets in the next 50 years? To learn more about the benefits of food growing and begin to grow our own victory gardens.
Friday, December 9, 2011
December Time
Christmas is around the corner and JD-Lightings is working hard to get a new catalog out for you guys for 2012. We will be carrying a new line of JD products and here's a quick peak of one of them.
Don't forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @jdlightings!
Don't forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @jdlightings!
Friday, December 2, 2011
Sweetgreen
The food movement of growing locally and eating locally is finally here. We are here to highlight sustainable companies and projects that motivate us to eat better, live better and do better.
Here's our Friday JD pick: SweetGreen.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Power It Up
"Over human history, every boost in sustainable population levels
has been achieved by a new energy technology." -Aaron Dunlap
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
TEDxWindyCity with Dickson Despommier -- The Vertical Farm
If you haven't read The Vertical Farm by Dickson Despommier yet, it's brings you through the history of food development, our current food supply, basics in agricultural farming and how it has environmentally impacted our ecosystems through the years. Mostly, it's a good read to fill in that gap of environmental knowledge you might have missed out on. It will enlighten you on ideas of food + technology growing vertically, population growth and limited space, urban agriculture, growing hydroponically and aquaponically. Dr. Despommier will inspire you through the empowering concept of vertical farming and sustainable systems for our future generations. Here's a snippet:
"In the end, if and when our time on this planet has run its course, the human species will be judged not by the number of billionaires it has produced, or even by the exquisite art it has created over the entire span of its evolutionary history. Rather, it will be evaluated on how well it looked after its own kind and the rest of the life forms on which it was wholly dependent. Was the human culture based on equal sharing of resources in which every individual got enough water and food to live an adequately healthy life, or was it a species that encourages greed and hoarding of resources for one group or country at the expense of others? We must answer this question in advance if we are to change from a destructive force of nature into one that has learned the true value of symbiosis. Learning how to provide for ourselves in every way -- including producing food -- in ways that do not encroach on the right of others, such as the hardwood forest, will test our ability to think through the problem until we have solved it. I believe we can" (Despommier, 102).
The Vertical Farm: Feeding The World in the 21st Century
Gene Giacomelli on Martha Stewart: Simplified Hydroponics for Urban Farming
Martha Stewart exploring the simple pleasures of growing food hydroponically. Is it just us or does she always manage to make things look easy as pie. This DIY video will get you started on your own grow in no time.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
WIN IT! - NOVEMBER CONTEST
TO ENTER:
 |
| 1. LIKE JD Lightings 2. Comment on Contest Post so we know you entered. |
2. Retweet our Contest so we know you entered.
Contest begins November 1, 2011 10:00pm PST and will end November 30, 2011 10:00pm PST.
Winner will be announced on December 1, 2011 here. Good Luck!
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Congratulations to Hunter Blake Hall as the November JD Lightings Contest Winner!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
National Geographic Snapshot
In addition, National Geographic also announced that we now have 7 billion people living among us. 7 BILLION. The new app 7 Billion created by National Geographic's Society 'explores the challenges of a growing human population in a world of limited resources and filled with informative videos, interactive maps, in-depth articles, and stunning photography'. Here's what Lance Ulanoff of Mashable learned through the app:
- In 2045, there will be 9 billion people
- Every second, 5 people are born
- Every second, 2 people die (you can see the problem)
- We’re all living longer: The average Life span is now 69 years old
- By 2050, 70% of us will be living in urban areas
- We have enough space for all these people: 7 billion people could fit shoulder-to-shoulder in Los Angeles
- In 1975, there were three mega-cities (cities with 10 million or more people)
- Today, there are 21 mega-cities
Since 70% of us will be living in urban areas by 2050, feeding that population will definitely need to increase. Urban farming is improving as we speak and definitely will play a key role for generations to come. The 7 Billion app is free, get it on itunes here.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Powerbox™ Compatible
The JD 1000watt and 600watt Ballast by JD-Lightings have been tested to be 100% compatible with Powerbox™ Light Controllers. Alongside the most popular digital ballasts, JD Ballasts are definitely climbing the charts to be the most dependable and affordable ballasts for consumers. With a 15 minute hot-start delay built-in, JD Ballasts will protect bulb life if your power ever goes out and will wait for the bulb to cool down before lighting again. The ballast runs cool, is light weight for its solid exterior, safe and is UL Listed. The dimming system can boost up to 110% or dim down to 50% depending on what you need to focus on when growing.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
TEDx Bermuda Conference
At the 2nd Annual Tedx Bermuda Conference (held on 10.15.11 at the Fairmont Southampton), Dickson Despommier spoke on how vertical farming is "a solution to feeding the world in the 21st century amid a pending food crisis". There is no doubt it can also help if a natural disaster struck our food supply. Jeff Masters, Co-Founder of The Weather Underground Blog, spoke about warnings in climate change such as stronger hurricanes, rising sea levels and flooding. One of the major problems he discussed was the three dams that separate the Mississippi River from the Atchafalaya River. The rise in warmer climate creates more moisture in our atmosphere, which also breeds heavier rainstorms. With flood heights continually breaking, devastation can hit local communities like New Orleans and near the river if flood plains are not up to date with climate change. Jeff Masters warns that if the Mississippi River switches, it will certainly affect us on a economic level where "60 per cent of US grain is exported down the Mississippi River on barges and if you lose that barge track it could shut down the US economy". To be prepared for such events, his solution is to buy out people who are in the flood plains and allow the river to expand more and not constrict it to such a narrow space during floods. Read more on Tedx Bermuda Conference highlights here.
Rooftop Urban Farming
Continuing on vertical farming above, CNN highlights how rooftop urban farming has taken root in New York City. Dickson Despommier and Gotham Greens are paving the road for us to adapt greenhouse hydroponics in our local cities. It's become prevalent that restaurants like Bell, Book and Candle are currently using rooftop vertical farming to grow their vegetables, pointing out their lettuce produces 25% faster with hydroponics than normal soil-base growing. In the hydroponic industry, innovation in products will help streamline sustainable ways for urban farmers to grow more easily.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Chipotle's "Back to the Start" Commercial
Shown above is Chipotle's recent release of their "Back to the Start" commercial (filmed by Johnny Kelly) and tells a story of a farmer who slowly transforms his family farm into an industrial animal factory. With the somber version of 'The Scientist' performed by Willie Nelson in the background, we see animals being genetically modified (growth hormones, antibiotics, fed with byproducts). We also see the environmental impacts of water, soil and air pollution as our food is transported to far away places. At the turning point of his faults, the farmer chooses to find better ways to run his farm including giving animals more space and access to the outdoors, organically feeding them, and delivering our food locally.
Amazingly, this short film illustrates the impacts of our food industry today. GMO or Genetically Modified Organisms are "plants or animals, whose DNA has been altered... these products have undergone only short term testing to determine their effects on humans and the environment" (Helpguide.org). The term "Organic" really means the way agricultural products are grown and processed and how it relates back to food safety, nutrition and sustainability. Chipotle's new campaign highlights how we can transform back to a more sustainable future with their vision of Food with Integrity. Find out more on Steve Ells, founder, chairman and co-CEO of Chipotle and their campaign here.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Underground Life
LED lighting for indoor gardening has become increasingly popular and Plant Lab in Den Bosch, Netherlands is taking it to the next level using LED lighting with zero natural sunlight. Their growing rooms consist of exact controlled climate for each plant using a specific Plant-ID. Red and blue light is used for photosynthesis and far-red (a light only visible to plants) creates their 'plant paradise' where no pesticides are used. However, they do depend on air conditioning to help them control the excess heat from the lights.
PlantLab is on the dot when they state that "an average kilogram of tomatoes travels an average of 1,300 miles from growing area to store shelf. It’s ridiculous" - theworld.org As the food supply transportation system continues with air pollution and that lingering thought in your head of where your food really comes from in our urban setting (cue in Mark Zuckerberg's personal challenge), the need for local urban farmers only grows. On a larger note, with China's limited soil space for food development, they will have to keep a lookout for new innovation in the indoor growing community. Plant Lab is three stories underground which makes them the 'the world’s first and perhaps only “up-side-down” vertical farm.' (Urban 360)
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Vertical Farming in 2011
Vertical Farming has taken flight. In Dr. Dickson Despommier's "The Vertical Farm", his book demonstrated the idea on a grander scale of greenhouse skyscrapers growing hydroponically and aquaponically designed to be adapted by urban settings. The goal was to attain a more sustainable way to live by growing food locally and provide fresher, more affordable produce. It would empower impoverished cities and help solve the food crisis, cut down on air pollution from less food transportation, allow gradual repair on abandoned farmlands, create more jobs in local cities, and greatly reduce our carbon footprint. The idea has truly come out of the stage of conceptualization and into the production phase as Dr. Despommier comments, "Vertical farming has now moved from the “crazy idea” stage...to construction of functional prototypes in just eleven short years". - Dr. Despommier
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All eyes are on new vertical farming projects this year and this is our favorite so far:
The Plant Chicago
What an eye-opening, amazing feeling to see this project come to life as they document their case study on The Plant Blog. When they won $1.5 million in grant funds for Renewable Energy System from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, we felt like we were there with them! The help of community efforts and the goal for self sustainable food production will definitely be a model for urban cities alike. Hint Hint Los Angeles, you're next. We are definitely headed in the right direction with Foodprint Project. Let's keep it going LA, we will be keeping our eyes out for upcoming projects.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Now Sold At Pacific Coast Hydroponics!!
We are happy to announce that Pacific Coast Hydroponics is now carrying JD Ballasts at their store locations in Culver City, CA and Hollywood, CA.
711 N Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
4147 Sepulveda Blvd
Culver City, CA 90230
ONLINE STOREFRONT:
Monday, July 25, 2011
JD Ballasts Has ..
Less Than 1% Failure Rate
Most defective ballasts fail soon after installation as many leading competitors have over 40% failure rates. They can catch on fire, smoke, or just fail at lamp ignition. Ballast life depends on input voltage, ambient temperature and the ballast's operating temperature (among other variables) and electronic ballasts meet their rated life with proper input voltage variation.
JD Ballasts' failure rate is less than 1%. Did you hear right? Yes you did. We have a LESS THAN 1% FAILURE RATE. How can that be?? Well, our technical lab results show we hit all the right numbers after hours of burning with our Function Test, Reliability Test and Safety Test. To protect ballast life, we concentrate on operating with the right filters and voltage limiters to control voltage fluctuation supplied to the ballast. The series of longevity tests we undergo are tested according to the U.S. Standard for HID Ballasts, UL Listed and assure safety standards to the highest.
Find our UL Listing here
Company Name: jd-lightings
Then Search.
Friday, June 24, 2011
PROMOTIONAL SALE: Limited Time Only!
We give you what you want, at the price you want it.
That's our motto for the summer. We know times are tough, so JD Lightings is giving you the economic price break you need. Try out our 1000w and 600w JD Ballast at our promotional rate. Tell us what you think. We guarantee you will be impressed.
promo@jd-lightings.com
promo code: [ ecobreak ]
*Limited time only, while supplies last*
Interested in wholesale pricing? Contact Phillip for a wholesale quote that can't be beat.
phillip@jd-lightings.com
JD Ballast Review: Green Giant Hydroponics, LLC.
Our 1000Watt JD Ballast was put to the test and here's what Green Giant Hydroponics had to say:
"Our testing was done in a 4'x4' silver edition grow tent closed environment. We started out using a 400watt Conversion Bulb "AgroSon". This bulb performed well at the lowest dimmable setting on the JD Lightings Ballast. This bulb was raw for 1 week with no problems. The next bulb we tried was a 600watt "Hortilux" HPS on the middle dimmable setting, was raw for 1 week with no problems. For the last 2 weeks, we raw a 1000 watt MH bulb with no problems. Also, I would like to mention that the ballast ran very cool, had no start-up issues, ultra quiet and very versatile. I feel confident in recommending this product to my customers."
- Justin Brockman, owner of Green Giant Hydro, LLC.
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