One of the sustainability concepts that I’m very interested in is vertical gardening. By keeping the place of production of our food close to the place of consumption we can greatly reduce the often ridiculous distances that food covers before it is placed on our plates. Often the total sum of the stuff in our supermarket basket has been transported thousands of kilometers, with the consequences to the environment. By utilizing the horizontal as well as vertical spaces that of our cities we will be able to produce a significant amount of fresh produce at the almost immediate location of consumption. Roof tops of office and apartments could be used to grow vegetables, fruit or even have mini farms. Facades could be used too. Not only are vertical and city gardens an excellent way to reduce the carbon footprint, the idea could help to reduce the heat island effect of the cities. A roof garden is a natural insulator both in the winter as well as in the summer. Green roofs will absorb rain and plants would also help to create a micro climate harbouring insects and in turn attracting birds.

I can imagine a city that’s lush, green and full of life.