Are you familiar with biophilia? The word bio (Greek for life) and phile (who loves) simply means to love what is alive. More specifically, it refers to the well-being that living things feel when in contact with nature. For example, it’s the feeling of happiness that comes over us when we go for a walk in the woods or by the sea, or when we admire a sunset.

Loving contact with nature

Biologist Edward Osborne Wilson, professor at Harvard University, was the first to talk about this concept in the 1980s. In his research, he observed that “humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with natural elements that are vital to them.”

For humans, these are the plants that provide oxygen, the fruits and vegetables that nourish us, the water that quenches our thirst, the sun that keeps us warm, the trees that give us wood and shelter, etc.

The benefits of contact with nature

Deux élèves récoltant des laitues du potager hydroponique Vireo

A study by the environmental consulting firm Terrapin Bright Green shows the many benefits of having natural elements around us: increased productivity in the workplace, faster recovery for certain hospital patients, lower crime rates in neighborhoods with more green spaces, etc.

What’s more, this study has proven that the presence of plants in the classroom or work environment provides the following benefits:

Increases concentration;
Improves memory skills;
Stimulates creativity;
Reduced stress levels.

A project to bring nature into schools

The presence of natural elements in schools, and especially in classrooms, recreates the beneficial effects of nature. It is a way to reconnect with nature in a context where urbanization is on the rise and cities are increasingly built on concrete.

The Vireo hydroponic gardening project provides students with all the benefits of being in contact with nature. By installing this indoor garden in a classroom, or in a dedicated space, students will learn how to grow vegetables, various types of leafy greens and herbs. Every day they will be exposed to the natural smells and beauty of the plants as they grow until they can be harvested, distributed and eaten.

“I really enjoy learning about different ways to grow food! It is fun to take care of the plants. I love that you shared the gift of hydroponics!”
Maddie, student in Mrs. Anna Mack's 6th grade class - Ligonier Valley School, Pennsylvania

Equipment included with the Vireo hydroponic garden

The Vireo hydroponic garden is designed and manufactured specifically for the classroom and school environment. Not only is it easy to install and maintain, it is also easy to move around the school.

With a capacity of 99 plants per cycle, it can serve multiple classes or a large number of students simultaneously. The garden is built with the best possible components to last longer and provide more frequent, abundant harvests.

A Vireo hydroponic school garden project includes:

All materials needed to start and maintain the indoor vegetable garden throughout the year;
Disposable supplies (such as seeds and substrates);
Access to a digital platform with a wealth of educational content and intuitive features designed by educators;
Personalized support to ensure project success.

By integrating natural elements such as the Vireo hydroponic garden into schools, we not only provide students with practical skills in gardening and urban agriculture, but also significant socio-emotional benefits. The Vireo Project reconnects students with nature, which enhances their focus, creativity, and overall well-being. Investing in biophilia projects means investing in students' educational futures and personal development.