Sunday, May 23, 2010

Green Environment Starts at Your Home

Green environment is being actively created in various places around the world. Most people around the world already knew the importance of green environment as well as benefits can be gained not only for human but also for all creatures who life on earth by giving more attention to increase the awareness of green environment. Many people think that creating a green environment is sometimes difficult and too complicated to be implemented; perhaps it is because they do not know in detail about the green environment. Almost every person of all ages can start doing little things to create a pleasant green environment. By starting the little things that come directly from the environment at home, at work, at school, or anywhere you can begin to support environmental preservation.

Various actions can be done to create a green environment, it may be a small action, but it can bring a very good effect to our environment. A simple example to mothers who are always shopping for household products in supermarkets, to give support for a green environment program, mothers can minimize the use of plastic bags, by carrying their own bag from the house when they need to go on shopping, or they can use paper bags, instead of plastic bags. As we all know that all the objects or goods made from the plastic will be very difficult to unravel and the process will be very complicated, and it takes years for the plastic to be able to be decomposed by soil. Therefore, it definitely will pollute the environment. Maybe some people think they can get rid of useless items that have a plastic material by burning it, but this does not help the green environment program because the effect of smokes from burning plastics will also have a negative impact on the environment. Another way to support green environment is to use various materials that can be recycled easily to reduce the amount of garbage that comes in various places.

Recently, many people are worried about some negative effect of human unresponsiveness towards green environment. Some example of the unpleasant conditions that begin to arise pursuant to unresponsiveness and unawareness towards the importance of green environment is the famous global warming problem. The direct impact is felt by many people in almost every corner around the world. An obvious evidence of environmental destruction on earth is with the increase of air temperature on earth, that makes the earth is getting hotter and some natural events that are very dangerous and bad for humans.

To have a green environment around your home will definitely give a very pleasant atmosphere, while also green environment will make our body become healthier because the air we breathe is fresher, healthier and cleaner especially from pollution. Green environment definitely helps to clean the air that has become polluted by car fumes, factories, cigarettes and the adverse effects of greenhouse gases. Today many families prefer to live in the suburbs because it would be good if you have a house with a green environment, and it also surrounded by trees that shady and of course with fresh air. If you want a house with a green and shady environment, it is advisable that you start to plant some shade trees that will beautify your home and good for the environment too.

Monday, April 26, 2010

The Natural Beauty of Living Roofs

The idea of using living materials for a roof is not a new one. Applying it to modern buildings, however, is relatively new. How is the ancient art of a living roof compatible with modern building methods? And why would anyone choose a living roof for his or her home?

The Living Roof - What Is It?
A living roof, also known as a green roof, can be constructed on an existing roof or incorporated into a new structure. It can be used on commercial or private buildings. A corrugated, aluminum sheet is placed on the roof, followed by a waterproof membrane. Some builders will then apply a sheet of foam and another waterproof membrane. Drains are incorporated into the design.
Over all of the weatherproofing layers, about 4 inches of soil is placed and various greenery is planted. Many green roof builders like to focus on native plants for their rooftop "garden."
So what are the main advantages and disadvantages of having a living roof? Read on to find out.

Advantages of a Living Roof
1. Less Reflective Heat - The sunlight and heat that are reflected off of urban buildings' roofs can greatly increase the temperature within a city. Green roofs eliminate the reflective factor, absorbing and utilizing the sun's light.
2. Insulation - Earth is a good insulator, and having four or more inches of it on your roof will keep your building cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
3. Protection - The soil and plants on a living roof protect the roof structure beneath from the elements, thus preventing the wear and tear (and the subsequent leaks) that can result from exposure to the weather.
4. Wildlife - Green roofs provide wildlife habitat, especially if native species are planted. Particularly in urban areas, living roofs can act as an oasis to wildlife.
5. Clean air - Plants clean the air, soaking up carbon dioxide and emitting oxygen. The air around your structure will be cleaner as a result, and the more living roofs that are planted, the cleaner the air over a wider area.
6. Absorption of rainwater - This helps control storm run-off, which can cause problems when it is excessive. It can also be a
7. Source of pollution.

Disadvantages of a Living Roof
1. Initial expense - Living roofs can be expensive to construct. Some of the cost can be offset, though, in the savings on heating and cooling, or if you grow your own food on the living roof.
2. Maintenance - Like a garden, a living roof will need some maintenance. It might need watering during a dry spell, or fertilizer may be necessary. Choosing native plant species will reduce the amount of maintenance.
3. Weight - Soil is heavy, and some roof structures cannot support it.
Living roofs are beautiful, green structures that combine the necessities of building with the beauty of a garden.