2019-12-02_Time

82 Time December 2–9, 2019

Millions of people

around the globe

suffer from food

insecurity, and

experts say that

number could

increase as the

climate changes.

The founders of

AeroFarms say its

FOOD & DRINK

AGRICULTURE, UPDATED

AeroFarms indoor vertical farming

technology, which

includes a tech-

nique for indoor

farming that uses

95% less water

than field farming,

can help. A key

advance to the

company’s pat-

ented technology

is a new growing

medium: rather

than grow in dirt,

these crops grow

in a reusable

cloth made from

recycled water

bottles. Instead of

being doused with

water, the crops

are hydrated with

a gentle mist.

AeroFarms has

already produced

crops like kale

and arugula at

scale, selling

to big grocery

chains, restaurant

providers and,

beginning this

year, even an

airline. “We’re the

only commercial

grower in the

world doing what

we’re doing,” says

co-founder Marc

Oshima.

ÑJustin Worland

TRANSPORTATION

A SERIOUS

SCOOTER

Boosted Rev

The proliferation of shared electric

scooters is undeniable; Limes, Birds and

Spins litter the country, from the suburbs

of California to the streets of New York.

There’s a clear demand for a way to get

around that’s easier than biking, greener

than driving and cheaper than using

larger electric vehicles like mopeds.

So electric- skateboard maker Boosted

decided to make a scooter for the more

dedicated eco-commuter. The $1,600

Rev is a beefier, more powerful version of

the scooters you’d pay a few bucks to ride

to your next location, with a top speed of

24 m.p.h. and a range of 22 miles on a

full three-hour charge. The Rev weaves

through city terrain and conquers hills

with aplomb. That’s thanks to its pair of

electric motors, wider base for improved

stability and air-filled tires for increased

shock absorption—but all those features

do make it a hefty 45 lb. The integrated

odometer lets you see your speed and

swap among three driving modes, and

the companion app lets you track your

miles. Its steel frame makes it bike-lock-

friendly, so you won’t have to roll it into

class or the office, and its three different

braking options ensure you’ve got control

when you need it.

ÑPatrick Lucas Austin

Unique

electric brakes

add drag to the

existing classic

hand and foot

brakes

Extra-wide,

air-filled tires

absorb shock

and improve

stability

Powerful

headlights and

rear brake lights

make late-night

commutes

safer

OF

2019

THE 1 0 0

BEST