The human urge to understand nature has led us to some of the most impressive scientific breakthroughs and artistic creations. A product that combines the beauty of nature and the finesse of scientific understanding can be found in Eccosmo's closed ecosystems. But what are these ecosystems and how did they come into being?
What are Eccosmo closed ecosystems?
An Eccosmo ecosystem is essentially a self-contained aquatic system, often in the form of a clear glass sphere, that houses small shrimp, algae, and microorganisms. These components live in a carefully balanced relationship with each other, with each organism playing a specific role. The goal is to create a fully self-sufficient ecosystem where waste from one organism is consumed by another, thereby creating a sustainable life cycle.
The beginnings of closed ecosystems
The history of these systems begins in the 1960s with a NASA research project. The goal was to develop closed ecological systems for space travel, where astronauts could live in a controlled environment for long periods without constantly needing resources from Earth.
During this project, experiments were conducted with small, closed systems in which algae, shrimp, and bacteria were combined in a glass container. These initial prototypes were called "Biospheres." It was found that these systems could function independently for a long time, as long as they received enough light to support photosynthesis.
From research project to product
Some of the researchers involved in the NASA project saw the potential to turn these small biospheres into products for the mass market. Therefore, in the early 1980s, they founded the company EcoSphere Associates and began selling these closed ecosystems.
Since transport from the USA to Europe was too cumbersome, EcoSphere Europe GmbH was allowed to start manufacturing these systems under license for the European market in the early 2000s.
The product quickly became popular. Closed ecosystems offered a fascinating insight into the intricacies and balance of nature and were often regarded as living art or as a meditative object.
After many years, EcoSphere Associates unfortunately ceased production of these systems in 2022. In Germany, we decided to continue the concept under the name "Eccosmo."
Summary
Closed ecosystems are not just a product, but also a symbol of humanity's ability to understand the complexity of nature and transform it into something unique and beautiful. From the depths of space and NASA's laboratories to the desks and shelves of people around the world, these systems have made an impressive journey and remind us how wonderful and interconnected life on our planet truly is.