# EcoSphere Self Contained Ecosystems By Cool Hunter | Published 2006-10-18 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecosphere-self-contained-ecosystems References: [eco-sphere](http://www.eco-sphere.com) & [exhibitionecospheres](http://www.exhibitionecospheres.com/) Ecospheres were first invented 13 years ago, but they're awesome, they're now affordable and it's almost Christmas. If you haven't heard of an ecosphere, it is a small totally [enclosed ecosystem](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/warp-core) which sustains the life of [small shrimp and algae](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nereid-marine-habitat) with nothing but daylight. The original designs were developed by scientists at [NASA's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exoskeleton-solar-watches) Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The spheres have a life expectancy of two years, but some have been known to last for seven years. The Ecosphere site describes: "Inside each EcoSphere are active micro-organisms, bright red shrimp and algae, each existing in a clear "soup" of filtered sea water. Because the ecosphere is a self-sustaining ecosystem, you never have to feed the life within. Simply provide your EcoSphere with a source of indirect natural or artificial light and enjoy this aesthetic blend of art and science, beauty and balance." The eco-sphere website will link you to giant ecospheres up to 39". You can also buy them at a number of different stores, including [Hammacher Schlemmer](http://www.hammacher.com/publish/17496.asp?promo=xsells). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 96% | Activity: 67% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Self-contained Ecosystems:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop larger and more advanced self-contained ecosystems for commercial and residential use. - **Affordable Ecospheres:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Make ecospheres even more affordable by using advanced manufacturing techniques and materials. - **Artificial Light Ecosystems:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create ecospheres that can sustain life solely with artificial light sources, reducing the need for natural light. ### Who This Affects Most - **Environmental Conservation:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate ecospheres into environmental conservation efforts to protect ecosystems and endangered species. - **Home Decor:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design ecospheres as aesthetically pleasing home decor pieces that also serve as self-contained ecosystems. - **Education and Research:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate ecospheres into educational programs and research projects to study ecosystems and teach environmental concepts. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Immersive Nature Documentaries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecosphere-1.md) - [Compact Microclimate Terrariums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microclimate-terrariums.md) - [Glass Solar System Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-solar-system-in-a-sphere.md) - [Real World-Synced Globes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microtierra.md) - [Impressive DIY Terrariums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-terrarium1.md) - [Miniature Spherical Replica Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-sphere.md) - [Cuttting-Edge Sphere Ice Makers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sphere-ice-makers.md) - [Interactive Marine Ecosystem Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marine-ecosystem-sculptures.md) - [STEM Gardening Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/organic-terrarium-kids-grow-kit.md)