Green Infrastructure
Stormwater runoff is a major contribution to water pollution and flooding in urban areas. Green infrastructure can be the perfect solution and provide numerous environmental benefits while still being easy to upkeep, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing. Here are a few examples of green infrastructure!
Green roofs create a living landscape that would otherwise be occupied by roof area. Not only are they great to look at, but also cost-effective! They reduce runoff by retaining rainwater, allowing the plants to soak it up through the substrate or so that it can slowly evaporate or transpire back into the atmosphere.
Rain barrels collect water from your roof through gutters and into mosquito-proof containers to usually be used for watering lawns/gardens. They reduce run-off and provide you with a water supply for later use!
Rain Gardens are shallow depressions in the ground with certain plants, soils, and mulch that capture and treat stormwater runoff from driveways, parking lots, and other impervious surfaces. They reduce negative impacts on nearby waterways while also providing habitat for wildlife and beautifying the landscape. Furthermore, they reduce pressure on existing stormwater treatment structures. Best time of year for installation is end of summer and early fall to plant.
Planter Boxes are just urban rain gardens! They collect and absorb runoff (pollutants and additional nutrients included) from surrounding city structures. They are perfect for densely populated and/or space-limited areas. Depending on the location, planter boxes can have either open or closed bottoms.