Easiest solution for making Earth Green: Green Roofs

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What's best to start a blog on sustainability?? Making world green. So, this concept of having gardens on the terrace is going on for long. But recently I came across the concept of green roofs. And this one amazing thing which is being practiced in many cities across the world will bring phenomenal changes in the environment. So basically, green roof is a very simple concept and anyone can start doing this and contribute to making the Earth green. So, let me start by explaining what is a green roof and later I will try to give ideas on how you can make your roof green no matter where you live.

So as the name suggests green roof is any roof which is green, that is plants are present on the roof. But it's not that simple otherwise people may call it a terrace garden. So, there are layers of waterproof membrane, drainage and irrigation system, root barrier, and vegetation above all of this. They require careful structural analysis, so big corporations please go ahead and hire an engineer and get your roofs green. But yeh, what about all of us who have concrete roofs, what can we do and how can we change it? Because leaving aside the environmental benefits these roofs provide good appearance to our houses and also there are some personal benefits.

Easy tricks for us commoners to make our roofs green:

  • So instead of small pots, one can start by taking large size boxes made of bricks like the one shown in the photo. Such boxes can easily be constructed at minimal prices. The benefit of bricks is that they will let the water stay in plants. Hence, in my opinion, this is the best alternative.
  • The second alternative is making a plastic/steel container and then some sort of water outlet that is connected to the bottom. 
  • There are readymade green roofs available in the market where people come and install it but that will be a bit costly.
  • If you can't do any of the above, just start by planting small plants in pots at your place. Any contribution big or small is still a contribution.
If we start from intangible benefits, in the long run, things like green roofs are the solution considering the industrialization and urban development. As people move to urban land, there is less space for gardens and greenery in cities after decreasing. Hence, this along with vertical gardens are the best alternatives. But it also has many tangible benefits which will start showing from day 1. By having green roofs, the temperature of your house/office will remain controlled. This is your personal benefit. You will also use less air condition and this will again save your pockets but also benefit the environment as less carbon emission. Second is, if you start planting some vegetables on your own terrace then you can have your own organic food. Think about how delicious that tomato will taste when it has zero pesticides. Also, for areas with water shortage, plants like aloe vera will do wonders. Green roofs last twice the traditional roofs, so what are you waiting for corporate giants, please go ahead and start changing your roofs. If not for the environment for saving you costs. The other benefit is for biodiversity. If you like birds then this is the best gift you can give them. So, go ahead and start planting those trees!! Let's make this world a better place together.

One last point for my readers, the concept of green roofs is new in India and will take time to adapt, but if any of you have tried at your house please comment or mail me. Also, if any corporates providing green roofs come across this post, please share your details to me so that I can help people find the right green roof for them!

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