A groundbreaking community laboratory dedicated to transforming kitchen waste into fresh vegetables has opened in downtown Beijing, offering urban residents a taste of sustainable farming right in the heart of the city.
Launched just days before the Central Urban Work Conference held from July 14 to 15, the initiative aligns with the conference’s vision of building innovative, livable, and smart modern cities that cater to people’s needs.
More than just a place to grow food, the community lab serves as an educational hub for children. Zhang Xue, one of the project’s key initiators, explained that the lab offers a unique summer camp experience where kids can learn about sustainable growth by cultivating plants using recycled food waste.
“Children first receive online training in farming techniques via an AI system called AI Smart Desk,” Zhang said. “They then get hands-on experience in our indoor lab before moving to the outdoor community garden. Through this process, they not only learn the science of farming but also the green technology involved in producing fertilizer.”
A highlight of the project is its use of kitchen waste composting equipment. This eco-friendly system processes various types of food scraps—like leftover meals and vegetable peels—into organic fertilizer through fermentation.
Zhang Xue drew inspiration for the project from the story of Cao Yuan, a young scientist from Generation Z whose mother built a small lab at home, nurturing his interest in science from an early age. Now a renowned expert in graphene research, Cao has attracted global attention.
“Cao Yuan’s story was thought-provoking, but not every urban household can afford to build a lab at home,” remarked Zhang. “That’s why I thought about using idle spaces within the community to create opportunities for children to develop a wider interest in science.”
By combining agriculture with green technology, the community lab aims to contribute to high-quality urban development, reflecting the Central Urban Work Conference’s emphasis on tailoring urban strategies to local conditions.
As Beijing continues to evolve into a modern, resilient city, initiatives like the community lab offer a glimpse into a future where sustainability and education go hand in hand, empowering the next generation to build a greener world.
