Striving for a healthy and sustainable lifestyle has become increasingly important in recent years, especially when viewed through the lenses of climate and geopolitics. One way to independently deepen your understanding of nature — while also enjoying the long-term benefits and products derived from algae — is to start a small home algae cultivation project.
Algae such as Chlorella vulgaris (chlorella) and Spirulina offer numerous benefits for health, production, and the environment. Growing them at home can be not only exciting but potentially an essential skill alongside your potted garden or backyard farming — perhaps even in the not-so-distant future.
Why consider growing algae at home?
First of all, algae are true nutritional powerhouses, containing plenty of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. For example, Spirulina, although a cyanobacterium, contains large amounts of protein, iron, and easily absorbable vitamin B12, making it an excellent dietary supplement for a healthy diet.
In addition, algae contribute to environmental sustainability. Home-grown algae require minimal space and resources, and their cultivation produces no carbon footprint or negative environmental impact. In fact, chlorella can bind nearly twice its own mass of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. While a small home algae culture may not be a significant carbon sink, knowing this can still give you peace of mind. Microalgae are also widely used in wastewater treatment plants — even here in Estonia, namely at the Paljassaare Wastewater Treatment Plant. In addition to all that, microalgae can be used for a wide variety of purposes.
How to start your own home algae project?
We have launched an online store called Terragrow, which offers an ever-expanding selection of algae cultivation tools, guides, learning materials, and school projects for beginners exploring the world of algae. In the near future, you will find in the Terragrow online store various chlorella and live culture photobioreactors, nutrient solutions, lighting systems, educational materials, and accessories to help you start growing algae at home. Feel free to let us know what you’d like to learn or purchase related to the world of algae by writing to us via our contact form.
There are only a few companies in Estonia engaged in algae cultivation (Novaator), and not much emphasis has yet been placed on the development and value-added use of algae.
Visit the Terragrow online store, stay tuned, and begin your own algae cultivation journey!