"innovations" news and stories

Las Vegas is a town known for doing things in a big way. Well now they're giving sustainability the royal treatment. There's a proposal on the table to build the world's first vertical farm. Not just any vertical farm either, but 30 storys of it.

This $200 million project would be able to feed 72,000 people for a year and would grow everything from apples to winter squash. Of course, all of the products would be distributed directly to the casinos and hotels, who will be funding the project in the first place. The farm could potentially make up to $25 million a year, plus $15 million in potential tourist revenue. That means that it would eventually recoup the enormous start-up costs, especially with it's projected $6 million per year operating costs.

With our world population growing exponentially, and 60% of that population living in or near urban centers, vertical farms could be the wave of the future. If this experiment proves successful, every city in the world could one day be able to feed its citizens fresh, locally grown produce. Here's hoping that this Vegas happening won't stay there.

[via nextenergynews.com]

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Trend mapping reveals that food trends typically pass through five stages before gaining mainstream acceptance. Not all foods will make it through all five stages, though with increased public awareness of food trends and issues, and thanks to online communities and resources like Slashfood, more foods are making their way from Alinea to your table.

First, the cutting edge chefs with adventurous clientele will test the waters of flavor and texture. The ingredient might only appear as a special to begin with, but once it is established, other chefs will pick it up to appear on regular menus.

Next, if the food is a hit, the phenomenon will soon make its way to magazines like Bon Appetit and other trend-watching media. A television appearance will give the food further exposure.