Urban Farming: Three Reasons to Turn Shipping Containers for Sale into Portable Greenhouses

1. January 11, 2018 Urban Farming: Three Reasons to Turn Shipping Containers for Sale into Portable Greenhouses In pursuit of food security and sustainable ways to grow produce, many green-thumbed gardeners are now trying their hand at urban farming. Nowadays, it’s not that unusual to find an entire farm in a backyard or a greenhouse right beside a local restaurant. In fact, the urban farming movement is now so popular that people who grow vegetables and fruits in cities Page | 1

2. produce about 15 to 20 percent of the world’s food, according to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. One of the trends in modern agriculture is creating futuristic farms out of repurposed shipping containers. It’s a great start for city-dwellers who want to build their greenhouses for more than one reason. Ease of Transport Portability is perhaps the biggest advantage of shipping containers in this regard. With the right modifications, you can set it up practically anywhere and start growing produce immediately. More importantly, this ease of transport benefits millions of Americans in urban areas who don’t have access to stores that sell fresh vegetables. Since the food doesn’t spend a lot of days in transit, it will have a longer shelf life, better taste, and reduced cost. People will have more incentive to eat healthier if good food can be found right in their neighborhood. Widely Available Because shipping is one of the most dynamic industries in the whole world, there’s no shortage of shipping containers anywhere you go. In fact, there are at least more than 700,000 unused containers in the U.S. alone. Imagine the impact it could have on the economy if all of them were put to better use, such as hydroponics. An abundant supply usually means cheaper selling prices too, especially if you’re interested in used containers. Whether your indoor agriculture techniques call for stacking them up high or laying them side by side, you can do it within a budget of few thousand bucks. Modular and Modifiable Both new and used shipping containers for sale can be easily modified to fit the unique requirements of modern farming. This will allow you to grow and harvest year round, regardless of the weather conditions outside. Perfectly leveled platforms, drainage lines, insulation, ventilation, racks or shelves, irrigation systems and lighting are some of the elements that make up a great greenhouse. If you are so inclined, you can make the changes Page | 2

3. yourself, but finding a supplier who offers modification services is ideal. The less work you have to do on your own means more time spent planting crops. Making greenhouses from shipping containers gives the term “farm-to-table” a whole new meaning. Work with a reputable container company today to learn about your options. Equipment Management Services, for instance, operates reputable off-dock container storage and maintenance facilities in Houston, Dallas and Seattle. About Equipment Management Services Equipment Management Services is a local container sales company operating in Houston, Dallas, and Seattle. With more than 20,000 containers on the ground they can cater to all shipping needs. In addition to selling and renting out new and used containers, they also offer container modification and depot services. Sources: Turning Shipping Containers Into Urban Farms, SmithsonianMag.com The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Container Farms, Medium.com Page | 3