Water Conservation- Save The Blue

Water Conservation, very common two words, right? But, have you ever stressed upon these, ever turned them into deeds?

Water is essential for life on Earth to exist. However, misusing it results in a decrease in its capacity to fulfil this fundamental need for us. Water is a limited resource. Earth is a self-contained environment, but the planet’s water supply has remained constant over time. The population increase strains water resources. Additionally, human-caused pollution and contamination diminish the availability of pure water.

 

 

What is Water Conservation?

Water conservation actually means using the available water supply judiciously, sustainably and saving it for further generations by forbidding its unnecessary wastage. It is the responsibility of each and every resident of the Mother Earth.

This blue colored life supporting element is of high concern. The composition of water on Earth is 71%, we all know it from the very early stage of our life. Still, people think infinite times before conserving it. Only 3% of water is freshwater out of which only 0.5% is fit for consumption because 97% is salty water which makes the oceans, lakes, rivers. The rest 2.5% is in the form of glaciers, lost in the atmosphere or is severely polluted.

Why Water Conservation?

Read out some reasons why we all should care for our natural water resources. We bet you can’t agree more.

 

1. No buying of water: We will not have to buy bottled water if there is plenty of drinking water available. After water, the air is on sale too. Let’s limit this trend of selling air and water.

 2. Save the soil: The main reason for drought is lack of rain. It renders the soil infertile and damages crops as the rain does not return back to the same spot in the same quantity. Let’s allow the soil to retain enough water for its good health.

3. Save energy: Pumping the water to each house and high rise apartments needs loads of energy. So, in this way you can also reduce the carbon footprint and help preserve our environment as well as contribute in water conservation.

 4. Save your money: You will be charged less money on your bill from the water company if there is plenty of water to use. We humans are the only one that can restrict prices of water from soaring.

 5. Save it for recreational purposes: It’s so much fun to visit water parks with exciting water rides. But, have you thought if water goes below its actual level you might not be able to enjoy these rides. Yes, you read that right . Water parks exist due to enough availability of water, once the level goes extremely down water will not be used for recreational purposes.

 6. Save it for our children: Don’t let our further generations starve for water. We have borrowed this Earth from our generations, so it becomes our responsibility to return it to them in the most beautiful form. So, water conservation to the rescue.

Water conservation

 

How Water Conservation?

  • Repair leaking taps: The most common and compulsory way of preventing unnecessary water wastage. Repair the taps as soon as you notice leakage.

  • Rainwater Harvesting: One of the most traditional ways of saving water is rainwater harvesting. Rain water harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater that runs off from roof tops, parks, roads, etc. This water runoff can be either stored or recharged into the groundwater.

 

  • The water purifier waste: The wastewater that is flown out from the RO systems at your homes can be fed to the plants, used for cleaning or for washing utensils. In this way, the wastewater can be put to a good use.

 

  • The other waste water: Vegetables, fruits, rice and other cereals need a clean wash before they are consumed. So what do you do with the water that you used for washing the dirt out of these? I am one hundred percent sure that it is thrown away into the sink. But, now onwards, think before you let it flow down the sink. Water your plants with the same water. This will definitely help cut the water wastage at your home.

 

There are hundreds of more ways to conserve water, like, don’t run the tap while brushing/shaving, use a bucket to shower and wash vehicles, avoid cleaning driveways using water until very necessary and much more uncountable ways. 

 

KEY FACTS ABOUT WATER

  1. 50–65 percent of an adult’s body is made up of water. On average, they are between 57 and      60 percent. While newborns have a greater percentage.
  2. The element that is present in all three states: Liquid, solid and gas.
  3. It is a universal solvent.
  4. World Water Day is observed on March 22 every year.
  5. There is only a limited amount of water present on Earth. The same is recycled repeatedly          for it to be reusable, so that we do not run out of water completely. Get brief into the water      cycle.
  6. It is no surprise that plants are totally dependent on water for their growth. They make up        the basic life support for every living being on Earth. So, no water means no greenery which      brings along other obstacles too.
  7. The energy produced by falling water from the dam helps build electric energy which lights        up each and every home.
  8. Water aids in regulating Earth’s temperature.
  9. 42% of land area is covered by drought in India.
  10. Cucumber has 95% of water.
Water Conservation
The Takeaway

Due to pollution, people are notably cutting back on their water usage. As well as other pollutants. Additionally, we are poisoning rivers with substances like fertilizer and oil, harming all aquatic life on Earth. These eventually find their way to the ocean. Without access to freshwater, one will perish quickly. Water is life, which is a morbid but basic fact that helps make the point. The most effective, economical, and environmentally responsible way to reduce water consumption is through water conservation.

 

Water is a worldwide concern, thus we must all work together. Additionally, it is crucial that we conserve as much water as we can. If not for us, then for the generations after us, and if not for our generation, then for the Earth and the world in which we live. Even while spreading awareness looks easy, it is quite difficult to accomplish. Undoubtedly, starting it in our homes, with ourselves, is the simplest. Let’s take the initiative to start conserving as a group rather than waiting for someone else to do it.

 

Most importantly, we need to make sure that everyone understands how crucial water is. That is the bare minimum we can do to conserve water. The pledge of conserving water has to be taken as early as possible, otherwise this planet will have no water at all. Let’s make it a lifestyle, this is indeed a good practice. Water conservation must start from your very own place, then step out to help the world conserve,

We are building a community of like minded people who have the urge and willingness to save our natural water resources. The WICCI Council is heading towards its aim of saving water with a vision of clean and pure water for everyone. Join us in this mission of Water Conservation. 

 Tell us in the comment section, what are the ways that you adopt to conserve water. Tell the world that you are giving back to Mother Nature. 

Sick Building Syndrome v/s Green Lungs

What is Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)?

Sick building syndrome is a common worldwide health concern, where people in a building suffer from symptoms of illness or become infected with chronic disease from the building in which they work or reside, but no specific illness or cause can be identified.

History
1. Late 1970s- vague symptoms were reported by people in newly constructed homes, nurseries and offices. It was known as “office illness” in media.

During the first energy crisis in the 1970s, builders and building owners took action to reduce energy consumption in office buildings by increasing insulation, weather stripping doors, building wraps and using insulated double- and triple-pane windows.

In many cases, buildings were renovated to setup windows that couldn’t open, to minimize the escape of heated or cooled air.

2. 1980- NIOSH got 150 internal environmental quality complaints.

3. 1986- WHO coined the term “Sick Building Syndrome” and it also came to notice that 10-30% of newly built buildings in the West had indoor air quality issues.

4. 1989- The Swedish allergy study indicated sick building as a cause of the allergy epidemic.

5. 1990s-
• considerable research was carried out on Sick building syndrome.
• various studies were performed on individual buildings.
• the chemical contents of the material of the building was considered.
• a distrust of the Sick building syndrome concept was raised.
• 52% of complaints concerned sick-making work environments in USA.

6. 1999- a thesis at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm 1999 questioned the methodology of previous research.

7. 2005- a Danish study presented the imperfections experimentally which showed that sick building syndrome is neither a coherent syndrome nor a disease which can be diagnosed individually, rather it is a collection of semi related diseases.

8. 2006- the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare advised in the medical journal Läkartidningen that “sick building syndrome” should not be used as a clinical diagnosis.

How many buildings have this problem?

Animated Sick Building
WHO claims, 30% of the buildings suffer from sick building syndrome. We spend 90% of our time indoors due to the busy schedule and don’t have the time to relish nature.

           

What Causes Sick building syndrome?

1. Indoor contamination (heaters, smoking, etc.)
2. Outdoor contamination
3. Poor ventilation
4. Electromagnetic radiations
5. Biological contamination (pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, spores, molds and protozoans)
6. Common products such as
• paint
• insulation
• rigid foam
• particle board
• plywood
• duct liners
• exhaust fumes, various chemical contaminants from indoor or outdoor sources, and biological contaminants can be trapped inside by the HVAC AC system.

Signs and symptoms
The WHO has sorted the reported symptoms into various categories, including:
• mucous membrane irritation (eye, nose, and throat irritation),
• neurotoxic effects (headaches, fatigue, and irritability),
• asthma and asthma-like symptoms (chest tightness and wheezing)

People affected with Sick building syndrome coming out of the sick building with thermometer• skin dryness and irritation, gastrointestinal complaints and more. 
• Non-specific hypersensitivity reactions, voice hoarseness, flu-like symptoms
• personality changes, reduction in work efficiency and increase in absenteeism.

A very large 2017 Swedish study corresponded several inflammatory diseases of the respiration tract with an objective proof of damp-caused damage in homes.

Diagnosis
There is no specified medical test to diagnose sick building syndrome. The below given characteristics can help identifying the cause :
1. Symptoms disappear once the affected person leaves the building or home.
2. Other co-workers have similar issues or complaints.

Animated building with a stethoscope

For your convenience write down when and where the symptoms start, as well as when they go away. Also, be very much specific about your symptoms. Your doctor will try identifying conditions that could mimic sick building symptoms. Record them in your diary.

How to resist the effect of illness?

Coming down to health, there are many natural ways of improving it i.e. engaging in physical activities, eating healthy, thinking positive, opting good habits and spending time with mother nature.

General health is a pivotal pillar for quality of life. How would it feel to be able to live in a place that provides,
• 48% increased focus on your work
• 26% increase in your study performance
• 6.4% improvement in the quality of sleep

Most of us do not know the characteristics of Truly Healthy Spaces. These are:
• To think
• To judge
• To memorize
• To understand

 Most of these strategies can be accomplished by gardening or greenery, but now days we have zero or very little space due to urbanization, open spaces are captured by high rise apartments. So, now we are left with vertical spaces like walls or roofs.

Sustainable healthy homes and offices

Within the last 20 years there has been renewed interest in the role of designed landscapes as a healing tool to enhance the wellbeing.

Sustainable design seeks to Reduce negative influence on environment, health and comfort of building occupants, thereby improving building performance. The basic objectives of sustainability are to cut down consumption of non-renewable resources, minimize waste and create healthy, productive environment.

How?
Sustainable design principles include the ability to:
• Optimize site potential
• Minimize non-renewable energy consumption
• Use environmentally preferable products
• Protect and conserve water
• Enhance indoor environmental quality
• Optimize operational and maintenance practices

Vertical Gardening for Healthy Living (The Green Lung’s Magic)
Vertical gardening (also known as the Living wall or the Green lung) is a technique used to grow plants on a vertically suspended panel. These unique structures can either be free standing or attached to a wall.

Vertical panel with plantsThese living green vertical structures can be as small as picture frame or as massive as thousands of square feet.
The trend of indoor gardening is increasing tremendously as people are taking interest in beautifying their homes and workplace with different kind of plants, veggies and herbs on a vertical panel.

How can green lungs help?

1. Respiratory Health
Animated lungsThe plants in a living wall filter particulate matter from the air and convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. A green lung extracts 2.3 kg carbon dioxide per annum from the air and produces 1.7 kg of oxygen. With these green lungs you contribute to air purification.
If you opt for an electric air purifier, you never know to how much extent the air is getting purified. Plus there will be an energy cost and it may also emit some radiations. Whereas, plants do not affect or emit anything, says Ar. Hardika who leads Hardika Architects firm in the city of Karnal.

2. Thermal Health
Thermometer50% sunlight is absorbed by the plants while 30% is reflected. Thus, it leads to a cooler and more pleasant environment in summers and a warmer indoor climate during winters.

3. Safety

Plants naturally contain a lot of moisture. With a green lung you create a natural fire resistant layer on a building or a house. Thus, it acts as a natural safety blanket.

4. Reduces ambient noise
No noise signA green lung acts as a sound barrier to the building. It absorbs 41% more sound than a traditional facade and this means that the indoor environment is much quieter. Also, the indoor voices are less likely to reach outside.

5. Extends facade life span
A green lung offers protection from external influences such as the sun, rain, wind and temperature fluctuations and thus, extends the life span of a building by reducing the contraction and relaxation of the concrete material.

6. Adds value to the building
The natural and sustainable appearance combined with a reduction in energy cost, means an increase in the value of your property and it also serves as a landmark.

7. Heightens the feeling of well being
Living and working in a green environment has a positive effect on one’s well health. Gardening offers you relaxation and reduces stress, says Ar. Hardika.

8. Green helps you focus
A healthier environment, cleaner air, and a better state of mind. The knock-on effect of this greener living space is the plants’ ability to improve concentration and focus, particularly important if your home is also your workplace.

9. Reduction in energy cost and utilization
Green lungs help to reduce the energy costs incurred to adequately ventilate and control building temperature. Reduction in the use of energy will not only cut down on heavy electricity bills but will also help conserving energy for the upcoming generations.

Plants in a green lung can remove upto 87% of toxins in air within a period of 24 hours.
Plants are effective in cutting down the amount of VOCs and enhance indoor environment. These VOCs include formaldehyde, benzene, xylene and trichloroethylene.

Green lungs or greenery contribute to improve the mental performance by 26% and quality of sleep by 6.4%.
Not only health benefits, green walls also provide a connection with nature that is missing from our work environment. It is really crucial to maintain this connection in order to stay healthy and active. The desire or the urge to connect with nature is known as biophilia.

How many plants you need to clean the air?
The NASA studies on indoor pollution done in 1989, recommended that 15 to 18 plants in 6 to 8 inch diameter containers each, help to clean the air in an average 1,800 square foot house, which is roughly one plant per 100 square feet of floor space.

Does it really matter?

Yes it does. In case of workplace, healthy employees mean more of efficiency and productivity in work. Healthier working environment can cut back on employee’s health expenditures. Whereas, at home you can up class the health of your family and as well as cut down on health expenditures and food cost by growing your own garden. Greenery will help children focus on studies and will make them more active, productive, and creative.

The man built environment is the major cause of green house gas emissions. The quality of air is changing day by day and so is the health of the population. Greenery is the only solution to this problem. Plants can transform our lives in an unexpected way. There is a need of looking at things from green and positive angles.

What we can do?

We can start from our own place, like our homes, then offices and then community. Improved environment quality can help create jobs and productive employees. The community health is also improved gradually.

We all need to join hands for a green initiative to secure the coming generation’s future as well as improve our health.
Good health is what remains forever.

To conclude, Green lungs i.e. mother nature wins over Sick building syndrome.                                                         

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Radiation Free Homes and Offices-10 Indoor Plants To Eliminate Radiations

TABLE OF CONTENT

We live in a world ruled by technology and we are nothing but slaves to this world. Have you ever imagined how these beloved gadgets of yours are slowly killing you at your back?
Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are invisible areas of energy, often referred to as radiations. Excessive radiations are the root cause of various health ailments, like- allergies, risk of cancer, stress, and neurological disorders.

According to the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), EMFs are “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” The IARC believes that some studies show a possible link between EMFs and cancer in people.

Symptoms of EMF exposure

According to some scientists, EMFs can affect the body’s nervous system function and cause harm to cells. Cancer and unusual growths may be one symptom of very high EMF exposure. Other symptoms may include:

• headache
• tiredness and fatigue
• dysesthesia (an itchy sensation)
• changes in memory
• dizziness
• irritability
• restlessness and anxiety
• sleep disturbances, including insomnia
• depression and depressive symptoms
• loss of appetite and weight loss
• nausea
• lack of concentration
• changes in an electroencephalogram (which measures electrical activity in the brain)
• skin burning and tingling

But, we don’t yet know enough about its effects on human health and have insufficient evidence. Further research in the next years may clear all our doubts.

Well, there is a way out of this ferocious circle. How many of you are aware of t anti-radiation plants? Yes, you read it right. Some miraculous plants are a boon to today’s human era. As the name anti-radiation describes them well, these contribute by absorbing the electromagnetic radiations emitted by our dear gadgets and purify the air inside a room.
What’s more? Plants absorb carbon dioxide and return oxygen, boost immunity and metabolism. Keeping them around, help in lowering stress levels and headache frequency.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, every task has taken an online route which means more exposure to dangerous rays. So, place a plant in near vicinity to minimize the harmful effects.

List of plants that eliminate radiations

Let’s have a look at the list of plants that absorb these harmful radiations:

Stone lotus flower
This plant does not demand daily watering, twice in a week is more than sufficient. It gives your workplace an aesthetic look and a nice smell. It’s not only beautiful but also eliminates radiations. It is easy to care for.

Spider plant
It is effective in improving air quality by reducing the toxins to a considerable amount ( NASA recommended). It is highly in demand and gives a great look to the place. It is effective in absorbing nuclear radiations, speeds the recovery of patients, maintains indoor humidity, and reduces stress.

Aloe Vera
It is very well known for its skin, hair, and medicinal benefits. We bet you would have never thought that it could act as an anti-radiator. Well, this is the truth about this multi-specialty succulent.
it is a natural laxative, it can fight breast cancer, it can keep your skin hydrated and can lower your blood sugar levels.

Rubber plant
This beautiful indoor plant absorbs high-frequency radiations when kept beside your gadgets. It acts as an effective air purifying plant and is known for its radioactive properties. It requires less maintenance. other benefits;
1. decreased chances of getting allergies
2. promotes stomach health
3. natural analgesic

Cactus
In 2005, NASA conducted a home-based study and found that at least five plants commonly planted in-house at home or in offices can significantly absorb EMF radiations from electronic devices such as computers and phones – and cactus was one of them. Placing even a small cactus can reduce harmful radiation and purify the air. To elaborate;
1. it is an antiviral

2. has neuroprotective properties- a 2014 study found that it can protect nerve cells

3. high in antioxidants- a 2013 study found that the cactus is able to reduce oxidative stress.

4. regulates blood sugar levels- A 2012 study recommends that taking nopal cactus together with other diabetes medications helps regulate blood sugar.

5. It may reduce cholesterol- as suggested by a study, cactus can reduce cholesterol and also the LDL levels

6.can eliminate hangovers- A 2004 study proved that nopal cactus extract significantly reduces the severity of hangovers when consumed before drinking.

English Ivy
Ivy is one of the best absorbers of radiation available. It can absorb up to 90% of benzene in the air within 24 hours. It eliminates carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. Make sure not to overwater your ivy. Its Flavonoids help in removing toxins from the body, tightening and strengthening blood vessels, reduce allergies and modulate enzymes to help your body.

Betel leaf plant
Because of its hydroxyl and superoxide scavenging properties, it can eliminate the radioactive components from the air and also it absorbs harmful gases too. what’s more;
1. it eases constipation
2. excellent analgesic
3. improves digestion
4. reduces respiratory problems


Asparagus fern
It has well-known antioxidant properties that help to defend against the damage caused by exposure to gamma radiation.
With a very wonderful fragrance, it has the power to absorb electromagnetic radiations in a room. Ferns have been ranked 9th in the air purifying list of NASA.

Mustard greens
You must have seen this plant going outdoors but it makes a perfect indoor plant too. It defends against the damage caused due to oxidative stress.
The amount of radiation will greatly reduce and you could breathe in pure air. They are also high in vitamin A, C, and beta-carotene. Hence, they are not only nutritional and delicious but also great at absorbing radiations.T

This plant may improve heart health, could boost immunity, may have anti-cancer effects, rich in disease-fighting antioxidants, and is an excellent source of vitamin K.

• Snake plant
This plant is known to be very effective in converting carbon dioxide into oxygen. It can improve your lung health. If you cannot find cactus, opt for this plant. It can be planted in any type of pot and requires less maintenance.
It absorbs CO2 at night also, is effective against allergies, and is Vastu and Feng shui friendly.

Radiations travel in a straight line, so keep that in mind when setting up your plant, and make sure not to block the path with other items. do not keep anything between your gadget and the plant as it may affect their ability to absorb the radiations.
Gift your family and employees a pure breathing experience by creating a radiation-free home and office.

We can play our part by leaving our phones in another room while sleeping and using ear buds or speaker mode when on a call. In addition to this, we recommend you to cut down the time spent with your gadgets and try spending a moment relishing nature.

Miraculous Insulin Benefits

Benefits of Insulin Plant

Costus igneus, commonly known as Insulin plant in India, belongs to the family Costaceae. Consumption of its leaves is believed to lower blood glucose levels, and diabetics who consumed the leaves of this plant did report a fall in their blood glucose levels.  A leaf–a-day, keeps diabetes away is the famous saying about this plant. Diabetes is a disease of metabolism, where body is not able to synthesis sufficient insulin or the blood cells stop responding to the insulin produced in the body. The leaves of insulin plant contain mostly of Corosolic Acid which is beneficial in controlling diabetic. Its leaves strengthen the beta cells of the pancreas in the human body, thus balancing the insulin levels.

A number of studies and researches have been done to assess the anti-diabetic properties and potential of the insulin Plant. Besides, it’s been demonstrated to have various pharmacological activities like hypolipidemic (cholesterol lowering), diuretic, antioxidant, anti- inflammatory and anti-cancerous.

What does the insulin plant look like?

The plant has large fleshy leaves. The undersides of the leaves are smooth and dark green with light purple shade. The leaves are spirally arranged around the stem. The maximum height reaches up to 2 feet. The dried leaves are used in making of ayurvedic medicines. The flowers are orange in color. Flowering occurs during the warm months. The species reproduce vegetative by rhizome and birds disperse seeds when they feed on the fruits. Propagation is by stem cutting.

Here are some benefits of Insulin

  1. Curing Diabetes

 Insulin is a magical cure for diabetes. Consumption of its leaves reduces blood sugar level.  Regular consumption of the leaves can aid in preventing the onset of chronic health complications developed as a result of diabetes. The plant is a magic wand for the ill-effects of diabetes.

  1. Natural Pre-biotic to Smooth Digestion

The leaves have high level of natural fructose which smoothen the colon functioning system. It improves digestion by acting as a natural pre-biotic and promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut which aids in better nutrient absorption and digestion.

  1. Anti-Bacterial

The anti bacterial properties of Insulin help to kill the unwanted bacteria in the body. The methanolic extracts of flower and stem of C. pictus possess in vitro antioxidant activity against oxidative protein damage. It can protect your body from bacterial infections due to its antibacterial properties. So, say bye-bye to bacterial infections.

  1. Natural Antioxidant

The plant has antioxidant properties which help in destroying free radicals and protects body from several health disorders.  The antioxidant properties of the herb are concentrated in the methanolic extracts found in the rhizomes and leaves of the plant.

  1. Liver Illness

Liver dysfunction can lead to many disorders. It is very important to take care of your liver through your diet. Insulin leaf consumption will help to improve the health of the liver by eroding the poison slowly out from the liver. As the plant can break down the fat deposits and unnecessary toxins in the liver, it can treat liver problems and keep your liver healthy.

  1. Anti- inflammatory

Leaves promote smooth airflow in lungs. Thus, help to alleviate the symptoms of asthma and bronchitis and also aids in curing sore throat. Its potion can be consumed in winters as well to keep the common cold away.

  1. Kidney Health

Insulin plant has sodium and water retention capacity and diuretic property. Hence, it can improve the health of your both bladder and kidney by increasing urination rate. The increased urination rate prevents the development of kidney stones which can cause severe urination problems in the long run if not treated early.

  1. Immunity Enhancer

 

The changes in our lifestyle have made us much more sensitive to various elements which are constantly leading to a decrease in immunity level. This can be prevented to some extent by use of this plant. The antioxidant properties of the herb are effective in improving your immune system. It removes the toxins such as free radicals. Regular consumption can improve the immune system and shield your body from any illness.

 

  1. Blood Pressure Reducing

Hypertension has become very common now days due to our unhealthy diet intake. Fatty foods lead to increase in the blood pressure and can cause damage our body. Insulin herb is known to turn down hypertension. Regular consumption of the herb will aid in reducing high levels of blood pressure and calming the heart.

  1. Cancer Prevention

Preventing is always better than cure. Some studies showed that the Insulin plant has anti-proliferative and anti-cancerous properties. So, it can prevent cancer by killing bad cells and you can stop fearing cancer.

  1. Cholesterol Reducing

 

It also can reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. And thereby, prevent cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it minimizes bad cholesterol and rises up the good cholesterol.

 

CAUTION: Pregnant women and lactating mothers should avoid the consumption of Insulin plant as it affects the hormonal balance.

 

Want to grow your own Insulin plant? Subscribe the newsletter for my next blog on its plantation.

 

 

Why Vertical Garden? (Need of Hour)

  1. Where can Vertical Garden be grown?
  2. Why to install a vertical garden
  3. Food Security
  4. Physiological Benefits
  5. Environment Benefits
  6. Economic Benefits

Is your love for gardening fading away due to limited space in your high rise apartment or your home? Do not worry!! Vertical gardening is the solution for your problem. Vertical gardening is a virtuous recourse for people who want save space; these are easy to maintain as they are easy to reach without bending; a large diversity of plants can be maintained within it.

Where can these be grown? 

Car parking, inside office buildings, along lane ways or rooftops.

why to install a vertical garden

No doubt, these gardens have an aesthetic merit but most supremely they do good to the environment as well. Here are some of the benefits;

FOOD Security


• Due to the corona virus crisis, the fear of food shortage is now residing in everyone’s mind. We are dependent on farmers for the same but we can grow most of our food in our homes as a safety measure. Vertical gardens produce healthy and clean harvest.
• Small fruits, vegetables and herbs can be grown very easily without the use of pesticides.
• It is a safe way of gardening as it minimizes the risk of pest attack.
• Food grown vertically is much prettier than the crops grown on ground. The fruits grow straight when trellised, since gravity pulls them down. Plus, there won’t be an ugly yellow spot on heavier vegetables and you get gorgeous vegetables.

Environmental Benefits


• Vertical gardening helps to reduce the carbon dioxide footprint of a building by filtering pollutants and carbon dioxide out of the air which also benefits those living nearby due to improved air quality.
• Exterior wall vertical gardens also help to reduce heat absorption, which can result in significant energy savings in areas where people rely on air–conditioning during the warmer parts of the year.
• These gardens can significantly help to reduce Urban Heat Island Effect and smog.
• The waste produced in our house can be reused for the same, such as- plastic bottles, old shoe organizers, baskets, broken ladder, etc.
• Indoor plants improve inner air quality by removing VOCs (Volatile organic compounds) and other harmful toxins.
• It acts as natural sound proofing barrier as the vegetated surface blocks high frequency sounds.
• Create a microclimate– you can insulate your home from heat, air pollution or noise by designing a living natural shield. This also helps to regulate temperature.

Physiological Benefits


Professor Virginia Lohr of Washington State University found in a study, that plants reduce the physical signs of stress. Dr. Lohr discovered that people working in an environment with plants present were 12% more productive and less stressed than those who worked in an environment without plants.

There are numerous other studies that highlight the positive impact of green spaces upon human well being. Honeyman 1987 found that buildings that feature and promote access to vegetation have a greater positive human health impact than those without. Green buildings have even been shown to increase post-operative recovery rates in medical facilities .

Economic Benefits


• Increase foot traffic in retail spaces as green walls create spaces that people want to spend time in.
• Provide thermal insulation.
As green walls provide insulation to buildings there is less demand upon power, saving cash as well as reducing the amount of polluting by-products that are released into the atmosphere.
• Vertical gardens both insulate and cool buildings, providing a kind of safety blanket that protects the building from the elements, saving money on repairs in the long run.
• Vertical gardens require the expertise of professionals from a variety of disciplines including landscape architects, architects, irrigation consultants and more helps create local jobs.

Vertical Gardening Techniques

Watch more on vertical gardens

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