Green Roofs Living Walls Green Article Review

However incentives such as cleaner air, less pollution in areas where there is little greenery, natural beauty, and a healthy food source are attractive blogs Kevin Songer on 'Living Green Roofs (2010).

What are "Living Walls"

Living Walls are similar to Green Roofs providing benefits of insulation, natural beauty, longevity, and recycling advantages according to ELT Living Walls an article that avidly supports environmentally friendly living (2010). Plants can also be grown on the walls of homes. Many countries have already adopted this eco-friendly solution in countries such as Tanzania, and Nova Scotia, for example, where there are extremely hot and cold temperatures comments Chicago Green Roofs (2011). Combining 'Green Roofs' with 'Living Walls', a YouTube video demonstration presentation by showing how panels can be added to the home (YouTube, 2011).

Economic Advantages

So far the case for "Green Roofs and Living Walls" has incorporated the societal, historical, and cultural advantages of considering this avenue for taking a practical approach to implementing Environmentalism into present and future living arrangements. Hints of the economic advantages have been presented and further analysis of the costs and long-term benefits of implementing these natural eco-systems show tremendous promise. Consider the Costing Table provided by Living Green Roofs (2011). The table shows that roofs lasts up to 30 years longer than traditional roofs that offer none of the environmental benefits discussed so far. Those benefits include cleaner air, one of the major problems in traditionally built homes today are poor insulation, dusts, germs, and dangerous chemically-based sediments that cause respiratory illnesses from inhaling toxins (Songer, 2010). Another benefit was the ability to grow food, with the rising costs of meals, it can be very economical to grow plants such as tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs to supplement food costs.

The initial outlay for implementing "Green Roofs" and/or "Living Walls" is about 25% more than traditional methods, but at what costs to health and the environment (Songer, 2010).The additional costs required over time will increase the longevity of the home, which reduces roof repairs. It can also improve the quality of life due to fewer possible illnesses due to toxic materials being present in the roof or walls of the home. More studies on successful projects in other countries like Tanzania, Nova Scotia and others will more than likely show greater advantages, not yet seen or understood.

In recommending this Environmentally sound objective, the advantages far outweigh the option of disregarding "Green Roofs and Living Walls." With a simple change of a wall panel as shown in the 'Living Wall" presentation, it is possible to not only improve the ecological balance of our homes, but also our planet. Isn't it time these opportunities to make a difference in society were taken to heart for the next generation. It has been proven that it can be done, it is working in other countries. Why not take the next step and consider learning more about this subject, getting involved in a "Green Roof" or "Living Wall" project in a local community. Maybe moving even further in finding out what is required to plan, analyze, and build a "Green Roof" or "Living Wall" in a present residence.

References

Artic.edu. (2011). Chicago green roofs. Retrieved November 27, 2011 from http://www.artic.edu/webspaces/greeninitiatives/greenroofs/main.htm

ELT Easy Green. (2010). Living walls. Retrieved November 27, 2011 from http://www.eltlivingwalls.com/living-walls/

Enviroscapes NW. (2009). Learn more about green roofs and living walls. Retrieved November 27, 2011 from http://enviroscapesnw.com/

Living Walls. (2011). Living walls. Retrieved November 27, 2011 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar2qSiw_BQE

Songer, K. (2010). Living green roofs. Retrieved November 27, 2011 from http://kevinsonger.blogspot.com/

Webecoist. (2008). A brief history of modern green….....