Vertical gardens, or green walls, improve air quality, reduce temperature, and promote mental health, benefiting urban ecosystems.

Indoor green walls can improve mental health and reduce ambient noise by up to 40 decibels.

Green walls and plants can improve cognitive function, productivity, and happiness, while reducing fatigue.

Vertical gardens can filter out pollutants, purify the air, and improve indoor air quality by reducing nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and other pollutants.

Snake plants and spider plants can remove toxic gases and raise room humidity, helping with respiratory issues.

Indoor plants, such as succulents and orchids, can improve mood and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

Vertical green walls can reduce indoor temperature and drive energy conservation, making them a great option for energy-efficient buildings.

Vertical gardens require controlled environments with regulated water flow, lighting, temperature, and drainage.

Ficus benjamina and Areca palm are suitable for indoor green walls in temperate climates.

Ivy is a great option for indoor green walls, especially in rooms with limited natural light, as it prefers partial shade.

Aloe Vera is a great option for indoor spaces as it produces oxygen 24 hours a day.

Dragon Tree is suitable for indoor green walls and can filter pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde.

Vertical gardens can mitigate urban heat island effects and provide fresh vegetables, making them valuable in cities.

Interacting with nature, like vertical gardens, improves health and well-being.

Native plants are ideal for local ecosystems, with 90% of insects relying on them for food.

Vertical gardens are a low-maintenance, long-term investment option lasting up to 25 years.

Vertical green walls make structures more sustainable, fire-resistant, and aesthetically pleasing while reducing energy waste and improving air quality.

Vertical gardens, or green walls, improve air quality, reduce temperature, and promote mental health, benefiting urban ecosystems.

Title:

Content: In order to improve the environmental air quality and let children learn with peace of mind, the Taichung Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau has continued to build a clean air green wall in the school. This year, 12 schools in Jianping Elementary School, Juren Elementary School and Chongde Elementary School have received subsidies from the Environmental Protection Department.
According to the Environmental Protection Bureau, through the installation of clean air green walls, indoor air quality can be improved. At present, space such as classroom corridors and flower stands outside the daughter wall in Taichung City can be planted, which can achieve the benefits of dust retention, air pollution absorption and temperature regulation.
In order to strengthen the protection of the school environment for children, the Taichung City Environmental Protection Bureau expanded the subsidy for the construction of a clean air green wall on the campus, and the current subsidy amount to 1.76 million yuan, with an area of 358 square meters.
The Environmental Protection Bureau stressed that currently selected plants that can purify the air and do not need to spend too much money and time to maintain include the Dragon Tubeh, the Junzi and Wu Bamboo, the Turtle, the Cannonflower or the Honeysuckle.
How good is the effect of clean air green wall?
According to international research, vertical clean air green walls can reduce the concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10) by about 40% and 60%. In addition, green walls can also reduce the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in classrooms by about 10% and the concentration of ozone (O3) by about 30%.
Green wall is the most natural and energy efficient air purification facilities, no need to plug in electricity, self-circulation, to achieve the purpose of air purification, can be called the "most environmentally friendly air purifier".
Chen Hongyi, director of the Environmental Protection Bureau, said that in addition to blocking outdoor pollutants and improving indoor air, the air green wall can also adjust the temperature and drive energy conservation and carbon reduction. Next year, Taichung City is expected to expand the subsidy target, including community activity centers, public kindergartens and environmental night markets.
# Green Wall # Air # Cleanliness # Campus # Environment

Indoor green walls can improve mental health and reduce ambient noise by up to 40 decibels.

Title:

Content: General Supervision
Elham Aboul Fath
Editor-in-Chief
Thank you for your patience.
General Supervision
Elham Aboul Fath
Editor-in-Chief
Thank you for your patience.
Warning before exams.
A common act that reduces concentration and immunity
Dr. Magdy Badran, a member of the Egyptian Society of Allergy and Immunology, said that with the beginning of the exam season, some do not pay attention to the dangers of noise on students, whether they are in their homes or schools.
Magdi Badran, an immunologist, told Sada Al-Balad that noise is more than just a sound problem, as noise affects the quality of life, and is today one of the major threats to public health in the world.
Sources of noise
- Car horns.
- Loud music from shops, cafes, restaurants and transport, especially ticks and mobile phones - the noise of street vendors
- Conversations.
- Phone calls.
- The phones are ringing.
- The buzzing of cameras and printers.
-Play background music
Noise damage
Noise is environmental pollution, there are individuals who are easily disturbed by the sound levels that others find normal, there are people who can tolerate a sound above 60 decibels (decibels), which is how loud the sound of a normal conversation is, the effect of noise on hearing depends on how loud the sound is and how long it lasts
How ambient noise affects concentration and brain concentration depends on a number of factors, such as:
- The state of mind.
The personality of the individual.
- Type of noise.
- Noise content.
- Type of work
- Individual tension.
Noise Type
Some people enjoy studying and working with music, music may be more familiar and obscure outside noise, when exposed to a close conversation, an individual ’ s productivity decreases by up to 66%.
Every close conversation is a distraction to the part of the brain that controls thinking and completing tasks, and adjusting these conversations requires a great deal of mental effort.
Smoking harms your hearing.
Smoking makes the smoker more sensitive to loud noise, and therefore more susceptible to hearing loss caused by noise. Smoking damages the cochlea located in the inner ear, which is a spiral similar to the cochlea. Despite its small size, which resembles the size of a pea, it is able to convert the sound vibrations into nerve impulses. These impulses are sent to the brain and translated into sounds.
The cochlea is equipped with antioxidants, growth factors and natural antigens that prevent cells from programmed suicide to protect hearing cells from environmental threats.
Smokers are 70% more likely than non-smokers to develop hearing loss. Smoking increases free radicals that damage all cells of the body and DNA and reduce the efficiency of cells. Smoking delays the recovery of the cochlea after exposure to noise. Smoking can damage the cochlea and become a cause of hearing disability. Nicotine and carbon monoxide reduce the efficiency of hearing cells due to lack of oxygen. Nicotine interferes with the nerve conductors in the auditory nerve, which means reducing the efficiency of the hearing nerve. The effect doubles in children and adolescents because the hearing nerve is not fully developed until adolescence. Nicotine can cause tinnitus, dizziness and dizziness. Smoking irritates the Eustachian canal and the lining of the middle ear.
1.
Carbon monoxide
2.
Nicotine
3.
Hydrogen cyanide
4.
Acrolin
5.
Ammonia
6.
Nitrogen dioxide
7.
Formaldehyde
8.
Tar
Hearing loss is common with a noise epidemic
Permanent neurological hearing loss occurs as a result of chronic exposure to loud sounds. At an average of 90 ° decibels, 5% of sufferers are at risk of total deafness, causing tinnitus in the ear, perforating the middle ear (tympanic membrane) and breaking the hearing granulae.
72% of loud music listeners suffer from hearing problems, the danger is that music does not have to be loud to lead to hearing loss
Noise affects academic achievement
Reduces comprehension, slows cognitive processes, noises affect lifelong learning achievement and cognitive performance. Frequent exposure to noise causes:
1.
Lack of focus
2.
Lack of attention
3.
Low performance
4.
Impaired memory
5.
Lack of awareness
6.
Difficulty learning
Noise causes tension
Noise increases the chemistry of stress, including cortisone, which increases blood sugar, accelerates the occurrence of diabetes, lack of immunity, reduces the body 's resistance against infection, high blood pressure, increased heart attacks, rapid heartbeat, stomach ulcer, nervous tension, feeling upset, stress and fatigue
Headaches, anorexia, sleep disturbances, noise reduces sleep hours and quality
Which reduces immunity, increases stress, reduces the enjoyment of life.
• Negative effects of noise on mental health
Fatigue and fatigue, increased cardiovascular activity leads to increased feeling of fatigue, frequent distractions cause more time and effort in completing tasks, increased mental stimulation causes higher levels of fatigue, decreased reactions significantly with high level of noise, whether for mental or physical work, irritable mood and reduce happiness.
• Deformation of textures
The student may have to unconsciously bend forward to his desk to get away from the noise and increase concentration, while doing so for a long time, this situation can change the structure of the bones and affect the posture of the body which may lead to musculoskeletal disorders which may negatively affect how you stand, sit and walk.
• Noise and cold
• Extreme noise reduces the temperature of the nose by half a degree
• This increases the chances of catching colds
Prevention
1.
Spreading a culture of noise risk
2.
Identify the sources of noise and work to reduce them
3.
Lower the volume of TV, radio or music
4.
Emphasize that tranquility is taste and morality
5.
To strengthen the relationship of religions with the protection of human beings from noise,
6.
Punishing noise professionals.
7.
Sound insulation around noise buildings
8.
Construction of factories, workshops and power plants away from residential areas
9.
Anti-smoking
10.
Spreading Green and Planting More Trees
Green walls reduce noise.
Plants, soil and air trapped in cultivated soil are great acoustic insulators in indoor spaces such as houses.
Studies have shown that green walls can reduce ambient noise by up to 40 decibels.
Green spaces reduce noise.

Green walls and plants can improve cognitive function, productivity, and happiness, while reducing fatigue.

Vertical gardens can filter out pollutants, purify the air, and improve indoor air quality by reducing nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and other pollutants.

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Content: Home Garden What Are the Benefits of Growing Indoors

What Are the Benefits of Growing Indoors

Growing plants is for everyone but not everyone has a garden to grow them in. If you live in an apartment, in the city, or if you just don’t have the time to grow outdoors try growing inside.

Indoor growing is a great option for those of us who can’t grow outdoors – it allows you to grow plants for a healthier life. Let’s look at the various ways growing indoors can help us improve our livelihood.

Having Plants Around Is Healthy

It is well-researched that having plants around your home makes you feel more relaxed, healthier, and just have a better life. Plants help filter pollution and bad air, helping your home feel less stale, they are beautiful to look at, and they help remind you that there is an impermanence to life and to our time.

Plants react to the changes in our environment, our moods, our attention, and our care, which in turn makes us more caring and more engaged with the world around us. They provide us with peace of mind and a balance in life.

You Can Grow Healthy Foods

If you’re inclined, you can grow plants in a grow tent, which will expand the number of plants you’re able to grow indoors. These grow tents offer a great way to efficiently grow plants that you would otherwise be unable to grow – from interesting trees, palms, seedlings, orchids, and anything you are interested in!

What’s most exciting about this grow tent is that you’re able to grow plants and then give them to your loved ones or you can grow your food indoors! Who knew – all it takes is a container for your plants to grow healthy, the right lighting, and ventilation and you’ll be able to grow enormous, delicious, and healthy foods. Within just a few short months you’ll change your life for the better!

You Will Learn a New Hobby

Hobbies are what give us meaning – move beyond the confines of work and the expectations of a society that only values money and get involved with something that is just for you. Hobbies will give your time so much more value and excitement.

Taking care of plants is like taking care of a part of yourself and, in a way, it is – the more time you put into your plants the more you’ll get out of them. Grow everything from tomatoes to leafy greens to flowers and you’ll see how they turn your life into something more beautiful!

You Can Create a Work-Life Balance

Take a break from the stresses of work by growing plants in your home. Growing indoors is a great way to take a break from the constant ebb and flow and stresses of a society that demands a lot from us – taking care of something will help you grow just as your plants do!

Growing plants indoors improves the way we live and can have a major impact on the way we live our lives. Have a happier, healthier life simply by growing plants in your home, and take away the stress that builds up in your life by adding little green friends to your space.

Snake plants and spider plants can remove toxic gases and raise room humidity, helping with respiratory issues.

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Content: Planting, Watering and Healing: Surprising Health Benefits of Indoor Plants

The grass isn't always greener. Since the early 80's, scientists have studied the biophilia hypothesis – that seeing plants is beneficial to our physical and mental health. With increased urbanization, exacerbated by lockdowns due to a global pandemic, it's becoming harder and harder to ‘go out and get some air.'

The indoor plant market, already spiking in 2019, continues to surge – expected to grow exponentially in the coming years.

A study released by Data Bridge Market Research estimates the indoor plant market will reach $26.23 billion by 2029. The physical and mental health benefits of succulents and other indoor houseplants are important factors.

Many people may be surprised to discover the lesser-known benefits of indoor gardens, but experienced horticulturalists and gardeners have been advocating for the expansion of home gardens for decades.

Stress and Anxiety Reduction

The addition of real or artificial indoor plants has become a standard practice in many offices, hospitals, schools, and other institutions. According to researchers, just seeing a living plant in the otherwise sterile hospital waiting room environment has been shown to reduce stress levels.

In another study, subjects were asked to repot a living plant or complete a computer-generated task. Those who handled the plants reported feeling more at ease and also experienced lower blood pressure. Participants who performed the computer-based task reported higher levels of anxiety and elevated blood pressure.

Maria Failla, Garden Expert and host of the Growing Joy with Plants podcast, shares, “When I was struggling with depression, it was helpful for me to keep plants indoors that helped me get out of my head and drop into the present. I'd see how many senses I could engage while taking 3 mindful breaths alongside my plants. Scented plants like herbs and geraniums are amazing for this. I love the rose-scented geranium for its romantic scent and the fuzzy leaves I could rub, pinch and take deep inhales with.”

Speed Up The Healing Process

A number of indoor houseplants, such as snake plants, orchids, and spider plants, have natural air purification qualities. Others improve a room’s humidity level or deliver a soothing fragrance. Microgreens also provide essential nutrients, making them ideal for patients in recovery.

Even seeing an indoor houseplant can improve a recovering patient’s mental and emotional state. One study concluded that installing indoor gardens in hospital rooms and public areas positively impacted overall recovery times and patient satisfaction.

Improve Mood During Isolation

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent household quarantines created a spike in indoor plant sales as many consumers discovered the natural air purification benefits of succulents and other plant species. Indoor gardening also provided isolated households with an activity that could be performed safely while under quarantine.

A study conducted in Bulgaria concluded that participants who maintained a home garden or raised houseplants had fewer incidents of anxiety or depression during enforced lockdowns than others who did not invest in plants or other greenery.

Cassidy Tuttle, gardening expert and owner of Succulents and Sunshine, observes, “Succulents are great plants for people who have depression. They don't require as much work as other plants, so they can tolerate the ups and downs that frequently come with depression. They stay looking healthy even if they're not watered regularly. Haworthiopsis fasciata, Zebra Plant, is an especially good option for indoor plants because it doesn't require a lot of light or water.”

Best Entry-Level Houseplants For Starting Indoor Gardens

Annie Schreck, Research Director at Mountain Crest Gardens, offers some insights and recommendations for beginners. “At Mountain Crest Gardens, we hear back from customers all the time that filling their homes and offices with succulents brightens their mood every day. The studies I have seen in this realm indicate that having plants around can correlate with improved student performance in classrooms and reductions in stress and sick days in workplaces. I certainly hope more researchers investigate these complex human-plant interactions.

Schreck adds, “There’s something about having other living creatures in a room that makes it feel cozy and inviting. Caring for them and seeing them respond is just so rewarding. And the great thing is, everyone gets to explore which varieties lift their mood the most! If you’re not sure where to start, I’d recommend indoor succulents like Haworthia, Jade plants, and Gasteria.”

Snake Plants

Snake plants (Sansevieria trifasciata)—also known as mother-in-law’s tongue— are thick-leaved succulents prized for their resilience and tolerance for drought. They grow well under low-light conditions, which makes them ideal for indoor gardens and room decor.

One major health benefit of snake plants is natural air purification. This goes beyond the standard absorption of carbon dioxide, however. Snake plants also remove and filter toxic gases such as benzene, xylene, and formaldehyde. They are also said to reduce headaches, improve respiration, and reduce eye irritations.

Microgreens

Microgreens such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale offer a wide range of health benefits, and their compact size makes them ideal for indoor gardens, especially hydroponics. Microgreens and fresh herbs provide home gardeners with flavorful aromatics and salad ingredients.

Among the many health benefits associated with microgreens are blood sugar regulation, vision protection, body weight reduction, and protection from anemia. Growing microgreens is also a highly recommended activity for those recovering from substance abuse since the plants provide the nutrition many addicts lack.

Orchids

While some orchid varieties have earned a reputation for being a challenge to grow, there are many varieties that require only minimal to moderate care. Besides their exceptional qualities as flowering plants, orchids are also natural air purifiers and oxygen generators. As part of a floral arrangement or as individual blooms, orchids have been shown in studies to reduce stress and improve mood.

Orchids are also recommended for people with sleep issues since the plant’s significant oxygen generation and aesthetic qualities both help create more soothing conditions at bedtime and during overnight hours.

Spider Plants

Spider plants have become popular houseplants for first-time home gardeners because of their child and pet-friendliness, ease of propagation, and exceptional air-purifying qualities. Beginning gardeners only need a small cutting from an existing spider plant to start their own projects.

The trailing leaves of a spider plant make it ideal for hanging baskets, a popular growing technique for limited spaces. The plant also raises the room’s humidity level, which helps address respiratory issues triggered by dry air conditions.

Peperomia Plants

 Because of their ability to thrive in drafty, dark, and humid locations in the home, peperomia plants are often referred to as “radiator plants”.  Peperomia plants are succulents, which means they are naturally resilient to abuse and require minimal maintenance.

Tinctures and other products derived from peperomia plants are used to address a range of medical ailments, including headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, and kidney issues. The plant also has antifungal and antioxidant properties.

Jade Plants

Another popular succulent for indoor gardens is the ornamental and medicinal jade plant. The jade plant’s distinctive round leaves have become associated symbolically with the acquisition of money and wealth. The jade plant’s appeal goes beyond the ornamental, however.

Products derived from the juice of the jade plant have been used in many cultures for the treatment of ailments including diabetes, skin wounds, digestive issues, and warts. In traditional Chinese culture, the presence of a jade plant also improves the flow of chi, or life force.

This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.

Indoor plants, such as succulents and orchids, can improve mood and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

Vertical green walls can reduce indoor temperature and drive energy conservation, making them a great option for energy-efficient buildings.

Title:

Content: Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi County, Chiayi
The school received an environmental subsidy of NT $220,000 two years ago to plant large Dumbo flowers to form a green wall, which helps to cool down the temperature and purify the air, and also to install an automatic sprinkler system to maintain the ecology of the green wall.
According to the Environmental Protection Bureau of Chiayi City Government, since 2019, the Environmental Protection Department has promoted the vertical air green wall project. Since 2019, three schools, including Xingjia, Jiabei Elementary School and Jiabei Elementary School, have installed climbing plants on the school's daughter wall and the balcony of the classroom.
The Environmental Protection Bureau of the Chiayi Municipal Government said that this year, the Environmental Protection Agency expanded the target of subsidies, in addition to the original subsidies of public middle school, public elementary school, public preschool institutions, public welfare groups, public facilities, environmental protection night market, civic activity center and other venues, air green wall subsidies of 3,000 to 6,000 yuan per square meter, single subsidy ceiling of 400,000 yuan.
According to the Municipal Environmental Protection Agency, according to the results of the study, vertical green walls can reduce the concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), suspended particulates (PM10) by about 40% and 60%, but also reduce the concentration of indoor fine suspended particulates (PM2.5) by about 10%, ozone by about 30%, and indoor temperature reduction by about 1.8 ℃.
According to the city's Environmental Protection Bureau, the appropriate plant types are lily bamboo, firecracker red, Yunnan yellow carnation, turtle, Boston kidney fern, hydrangea, African pansy or panthera, and can be selected according to the space planning and installation requirements, so that the space is more beautiful.
# Green Wall # Cooling # EPB # EPD # Planting

Vertical gardens require controlled environments with regulated water flow, lighting, temperature, and drainage.

Title:

Content: Categories: Articles, Crop productionPublished On: 13th October 2023

Hobby or small-holder farmers: Vertical farming may be the way to go

By 7 min read

aquaculture-5990470_1280

Stackable planters can be purchased from local hardware or nursery suppliers to create your own vertical farm.

The need to optimise farming and improve yields on small plots of land is increasingly important. Due to challenges of water scarcity, limited arable land and high inputs costs, innovative solutions such as vertical farming can help to overcome these struggles.

Vertical farming is an approach whereby farmers cultivate certain crops vertically in stacked layers, in order to maximise space and increase yields. This is usually achieved by planting these crops in containers, structures, or stackable pots.

Most often, these structures incorporate aquaponics, hydroponics or aeroponic techniques. All of these are methods used in controlled environments, with various factors such as the water flow, lighting control, temperature, and substrate controlled by the farmer, unlike traditional farming practices.

Vertical farming has many benefits

The most obvious benefit of vertical farming is maximised land use. This method allows farmers to grow more crops in a smaller footprint, making it ideal for areas with limited land availability. But there are other benefits too:

Production throughout the year: Since the environment of vertical farms are more controlled, it is possible to cultivate a crop more than once a year, or to ensure that you have a consistent yield throughout the year – depending on the crop type of course. Any seasonal constraints are removed and production is more efficient.

Water conservation: Less water is used in these systems.with only the precise amount of water needed to provide the plants with sustenance. Where farms are located in greenhouses or indoors, less evaporation also occurs.

Low environmental impact: When less space is needed to grow more food, there is a lower impact on the environment. Less natural vegetation needs to be cleared to accommodate soil based farming.

Improved control over growing conditions: When coupled with greenhouse systems, factors such as light intensity, temperature and humidity can be regulated. However, the plants are more dependent on the farmer to provide nutrients as there is little to no soil used as a substrate. Farmers can exercise strict control over when which fertilisers are used.

How to start a vertical farm

If you are looking to start a vertical farm, you need to first allocate space. You will need a space to put up the vertical structures where it has ample natural light, and where the structures can be safe from animals. People often want to put vertical gardens in warehouses and storerooms, but it is very costly to provide enough artificial lighting to try and make up for the lack of sunlight.

If you plan on adding ventilation to a greenhouse, temperature control systems or any other high tech additions, remember to consider access to electricity or solar power. If solar is your choice, take note the for every hectare of artificial lighting you may need up to five hectares of solar panels to provide enough electricity.

There also needs to be a space where you can add drainage so access water can drain from your vertical farm.

Next, you will need to look at the crops you would like to grow as this will determine  your growing method.

Structures for vertical farming:

Vertical wall gardens

Vertical wall gardens are one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to start vertical farming in cities where you have walls, and limited horisontal space. You can use recycled materials such as old pallets, wooden crates, or plastic bottles as planting containers. These containers can be attached to a vertical frame or wall, creating a vertical garden. This method is excellent for growing herbs, small vegetables, and even certain fruits like strawberries.

Tower gardens

Tower gardens are vertical systems that allow plants to grow in stacked layers. PVC pipes can be used to create vertical planting towers. Plants are placed in holes drilled into the pipes, and a water and nutrient solution is circulated through the system. PVC pipes are relatively inexpensive and can be found at local hardware stores. Tower gardens are suitable for growing a variety of leafy greens and herbs.

Hanging gardens

Hanging gardens are an excellent option for small spaces. You can use hanging pots, recycled containers, or even fabric pouches attached to a frame or railing. These hanging containers can be filled with a lightweight growing medium and used for cultivating herbs, lettuce, and other compact crops. Hanging gardens utilise vertical space effectively and are relatively low-cost to set up.

Hydroponic systems

Hydroponic systems, where plants are grown in water without soil, can be affordable if you opt for a simple DIY setup. You can create a basic raft system using foam boards floating on a nutrient solution. Alternatively, a wick system, where a wick draws nutrient solution from a reservoir to the plants, is inexpensive and easy to set up. These DIY hydroponic systems are suitable for growing various vegetables and herbs.

Shelve system

As the name suggests, shelves are used to create rows of vertical gardens. Similar to wall- or hanging gardens, containers with substrate is used keep the plants in. Pots or trays are stacked on the shelves in a tray of water, or is connected to driplines that provide the plants with water.

A wall garden constructed with PVC pipe. (Source: Pixabay)

Planting a (vertical) garden and watching it grow

Some crops are not compatible with vertical systems – do not try to plant maize or pumpkins in this system. But there are still a multitude of other crops that can be used. Here are a few you can research:

  1. Herbs:

Herbs such as basil, cilantro, mint, thyme, and parsley are vital flavours that are in constant demand. They require relatively little space and grow well in vertical systems. Additionally, herbs are high-value crops because they have a quick turnover, allowing for multiple harvests throughout the year.

  1. Salad greens

Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, arugula, and kale are popular choices for vertical farming. They are not only nutritious but also have a short growth cycle, making them ideal for continuous harvesting. Salad greens are versatile and are used in various culinary dishes, making them high in demand and a profitable choice for vertical farms.

  1. Microgreens

Microgreens are young edible plants harvested at an early stage. They are incredibly popular in high-end restaurants and farmer’s markets due to their intense flavour and high nutritional content. Microgreens can include varieties like radishes, mustard greens, and pea shoots. Despite their small size, microgreens are considered high-value crops because they can be sold at a premium price.

  1. Strawberries

Strawberries are a popular fruit that can be grown vertically in towers or hanging systems. They have a relatively high market price and are favoured by consumers for their sweetness and freshness. Vertical farming allows for efficient use of space, making it possible to grow a significant quantity of strawberries in a small area.

  1. Gourmet mushrooms

Gourmet mushrooms such as oyster mushrooms, shiitake, and maitake have gained popularity in culinary circles. They can be grown vertically in specially designed containers or shelves. Mushrooms have a relatively high market price, making them a profitable choice for vertical farms.

When choosing high-value crops for your vertical farming system, consider the local market demand, climate suitability, and your expertise in cultivating specific crops. Conduct market research and engage with local chefs, restaurants, and grocery stores to understand their requirements and preferences. By selecting the right combination of high-value crops, you can optimise your vertical farm’s profitability and contribute to the sustainable growth of your agricultural venture.

Shelves can also be used to create vertical gardens. (Source: Vecteezy)

For emerging farmers in sub-Saharan countries, vertical farming represents a pathway to overcome traditional agricultural challenges and create a more sustainable, efficient, and profitable farming enterprise. By harnessing the benefits of vertical farming, these farmers can contribute significantly to the local economy, local supply chain and food security.

J.M. and Marsh, J. (2022) How Africa can develop its own version of Vertical Farming, Agrilinks. Available at: https://agrilinks.org/post/how-africa-can-develop-its-own-version-vertical-farming

Vertical farming in Africa with Tower Farms (2022) Agrotonomy. Available at: https://agrotonomy.com/vertical-farming-in-africa-with-tower-farms/

Vertical Farming South Africa: 4 companies making a big impact (2022) Indoor Grow Farmer. Available at: https://indoorgrowfarmer.com/vertical-farming-south-africa/#:~:text=Vertical%20farming%20in%20South%20Africa,conditions%20to%20accommodate%20vertical%20farming.

B.Bugbee (2015) Why vertical farming won’t save the planet. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISAKc9gpGjw&feature=youtu.be

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Ficus benjamina and Areca palm are suitable for indoor green walls in temperate climates.

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Content: You are here: Home » Lifestyle » News
Business Standard

Are the plants in your house not growing? Tips to keep indoor flora alive

To check if a plant is a right fit for your region, look for its temperature tolerance and the ecosystem it belongs to

Topics
gardening | Indoor air pollution | Trees

Kanishka Gupta  |  New Delhi

American journalist and author Michael Pollan once asked himself while sowing rows: “Did I choose to plant these potatoes or did the potato make me do it?”

If you have read his ‘The Botany of Desire’, you would know what follows. But in case you haven’t, he goes on to elaborate that both the statements are true. Pollan calls humans 'bumblebees' – manipulated by plants into hauling their pollen from blossom to blossom.

This manipulation could be in the form of a pleasant fragrance, the ability to purify air, medicinal properties, edible fruits, et al.

What is worth noting here is how human interaction with plants has evolved over time. Lush green lawns with tall trees, bushes and a wide range of plants outside homes have now been replaced with small- or medium-sized indoor flora.

The pandemic, however, saw a larger number of human bumblebees sowing seeds. From coping with boredom, decorating newly created home-offices, to getting influenced by the social media green trends, people had different reasons for doing so.

However, despite buying quality plants, spending hours watching youtube tutorials, and investing in tools and appliances, many failed to sustain their indoor, green plants. Where did they go wrong, especially when there was no lack of effort?

The plant you fancy on an Instagram post by a friend who stays miles away may not be an ideal fit for your indoor green space.

To check if a plant is a right fit for your region, look for its temperature tolerance and the ecosystem it belongs to, says Swami Prem Parivartan, founder of Give Me Trust, one of the largest communities that plants and preserves in India.

For instance, Ficus benjamina, Areca palm, Sansevieria and certain hardy plants do well indoors in Delhi-NCR. Completely different vegetation will grow well in cities like Bengaluru and Chennai, where humidity is high.

Give Me Trust has facilitated the plantation and preservation of over 20 million trees during the past 44 years, with 16,000-plus volunteers working pan-India.

The popular perception that indoor plants don’t require air and sunlight is not true. They too need air and light and can’t thrive in a claustrophobic environment, Parivartan avers.

The room's carpet area, source of light, and ventilation need to be factored in while buying an indoor plant, he adds.

Popularly known as Peepal Baba, Parivartan has planted more than 12.5 million Peepal trees in India and is also working with the United States Forest Service.

Big trees with large leaves such as Peepal, Banyan, Jamun (Java Plum), Gular (cluster fig), Pilkhan (white fig), Gulmohar (Royal poinciana), Neem, Amaltas (Golden shower tree), and Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) are excellent purifiers, he recommends, therefore best fit for high pollution region of Delhi-NCR.

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First Published: Sun, April 10 2022. 08:47 IST
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Ivy is a great option for indoor green walls, especially in rooms with limited natural light, as it prefers partial shade.

Title:

Content: including ivy and aloe vera cactus
Plants that help purify the air in your home and improve your mental health
Many people, especially women, tend to decorate their homes with houseplants, but the function of some indoor plants goes beyond decorations, as some species contribute to purifying and humidifying the room air.
Depending on the type and size, green plants can filter large amounts of pollutants, thus significantly improving the indoor climate.
Replacement plants for electric air purifiers
NASA has conducted a study that confirms that growing some plants inside the house may be a great alternative to expensive electric air purifiers, and then get a home filled with fresh natural air, as well as improve mood and mental health.
Many houseplants can be effective at detoxifying such as formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethane and other air, which can be found in paints, cigarettes and carpets.
Best Home Plants for Air Purification
Ivy.
Ivy or spider is an ideal plant for pet lovers, as it reduces odors and absorbs gas from the use of cleaning products.
Prefer partial shade, that is, it may not be in the scorching sun nor in the dark shade.
Its green leaves are decorated with a white edge, making it particularly decorative, and also filtering pollutants such as formaldehyde and xylene from the air.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is known for its benefits to the body, and this evergreen plant has air purifying properties, producing oxygen 24 hours a day, including at night, and is therefore especially suitable for the bedroom.
Dragon Tree
A home plant that is easy to care for, and the dragon tree may reach a height of 2.5 meters, and is very suitable for air purification, because it can filter pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, toluene and trichloroethylene, but it is less suitable for families with children or pets, because the leaves can be toxic.
Lilies of peace
According to the German website Stern, peace lily is one of the best air purification plants, removing toxic gases such as benzene, formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from the air.
It is also a beautiful looking plant, carrying bright dark green leaves and beautiful white flowers.
Source: Deutsche Welle

Aloe Vera is a great option for indoor spaces as it produces oxygen 24 hours a day.

Dragon Tree is suitable for indoor green walls and can filter pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde.

Vertical gardens can mitigate urban heat island effects and provide fresh vegetables, making them valuable in cities.

Title:

Content: Africa Has Its First Chief Heat Officer. Five Things Should Be On Her Agenda

24 February 2023
analysis

Freetown's heat officer can set an example to Africa and the world as temperatures and risks rise.

Eugenia Kargbo has an unusual job: she is the city of Freetown's chief heat officer. Her role in Sierra Leone's capital is the first of its kind in Africa. She has been tasked with raising public awareness about extreme heat, improving responses to heat waves, and collecting, analysing and visualising heat impact data for the city, which is home to 1.2 million people.

Freetown is increasingly threatened by dangerous temperatures. In 2017, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ranked Sierra Leone third, after Bangladesh and Guinea Bissau, on its list of countries most vulnerable to climate change.

The risks are concentrated in its capital and largest city, Freetown, where some 35% of the population live in 74 informal settlements like Kroo Bay, often in disaster-prone areas like the seafront or hillsides. Houses are densely built and typically temporary structures made of "heat trapping" materials. Services that supports cooling, such as water and electricity, are usually inadequate.

As an architect whose work includes researching ways to reduce heat in African cities, I think the creation of an Heat Officer position is a good move. The world's cities are almost all getting hotter and, as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned, temperatures will only keep rising.

But, while this is a global challenge, African cities are unique. The significant proportion of urban dwellers who are poor and those whose living conditions do not provide adequate shelter from the elements make the African context unique and deserving special attention.

With these realities in mind, here are five things I'd suggest should be on the agenda of both Kargbo and any other heat officer appointed elsewhere on the continent in future.

1. Take a diverse approach to urban greening

Nature-based approaches are a great way to address increasing temperatures linked to climate change. Scholars have established positive links between green infrastructure, temperature moderation and even health outcomes in African cities as well as elsewhere in the world.

This has informed a growing number of tree-planting initiatives and the development of urban parks. But it is important that municipalities move beyond only these kinds of spaces. African cities are becoming densely populated; that means less space will be available for greening initiatives on land.

Vertical systems of building (for example on walls, roofs, columns) and urban infrastructure (for example on bridges, road furniture) should be explored to make up for the lack of space on the ground.

In the last few years, I have led the design and development of experimental vertical gardens in low-income areas of Nigeria and Tanzania. We have shown that these vertical gardens reduce wall temperature of residential buildings by as much as 5°C in Dar es Salaam. The gardens have other benefits like providing fresh vegetables for household consumption. Similar ways of growing vegetation vertically have been seen elsewhere in the world, including in Mexico City.

2. Strengthen the link between heat and health

Exposure to extreme heat usually comes with health problems - and can even kill people, as I and many other scholars have documented. It exacerbates underlying health conditions.

One area of concern when it comes to the heat-health nexus in African countries is that mosquito numbers increase in higher temperatures. This means malaria and other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes might become significant problems for Freetown and other African cities.

These health problems are further complicated by the fact that many city dwellers across the continent can't access adequate and affordable health care. Community health initiatives within cities and efforts to ramp up health services in qualitative and quantitative terms must be integral to heat adaptation plans and actions.

3. Focus on early warning and improved awareness

It is far better to be proactive than reactive. Heat vulnerability patterns within Freetown and other African cities must be studied and used to make sense of weather predictions in order to inform warning systems.

In the warning systems, for example, an alert level can be triggered when the weather forecast shows three or more consecutive days with daytime maximum temperature and humidity above a threshold of, say, 30°C. Other levels of alerts can correspond with higher temperatures. This sort of system has been implemented in Toronto, Canada, with good outcomes. A recent study of urban areas in Ontario (the province where Toronto is located) shows that early warnings may have meant fewer heat-related illnesses severe enough to warrant hospital or clinic visits.

4. Encourage the transfer of knowledge

Cities can adapt to heat faster when they share knowledge and experiences. Some scholars argue that inter-city collaboration and knowledge-sharing can enhance municipalities' resilience and improve urban residents' skills to deal with heat-related issues.

Kargbo's work will generate many lessons that can be shared with other African cities; she, too, will learn from other cities' successes and failures.

5. Let locals lead

While there is plenty to learn from more developed countries outside Africa, it is important to also draw from local indigenous knowledge and practices. An examination of knowledge and awareness about climate-related and environmental problems in African traditional society shows there is much to be learned from indigenous systems.

Top-down approaches are not enough. They must be complemented by bottom-up approaches in the planning, funding, execution and assessment of heat adaptation initiatives.

Inclusion is also important because it shifts power to those who are most affected by heat - people living in low-income and informal areas are disproportionately affected. Involving them enhances the impacts of initiatives and interventions.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Olumuyiwa Adegun is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure.

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Interacting with nature, like vertical gardens, improves health and well-being.

Title:

Content: University of Tokyo Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences (GSALS) and Sekisui House, Ltd.
A joint research project on biodiversity and human health was launched on 1 December 2022 to investigate the benefits of biodiversity and the urban natural environment for human health / well-being.
This will be the world ’ s first comprehensive study of the impact on residents ’ health of interacting with the natural environment of a nearby biodiversity-rich garden, as well as their attitudes and behaviors towards nature.
The Conservation Ecology Laboratory of the GSALS Department of Ecosystem Studies at the University of Tokyo conducts research on the conservation of urban biodiversity and the management of ecosystem services (benefits of ecosystems to human society).
The lab has been studying the relationship between nature and human health since 2016.
Its research shows that interaction with nature can improve human health / well-being.
However, the question of how these health benefits vary according to nature ’ s quality rather than quantity has not been explored.
In 2020, the lab investigated how two ways of interacting with nature (i.e., the frequency of green space use and viewing green plants from a home window) affect the mental health of city dwellers (self-esteem, life satisfaction, happiness, depression / anxiety symptoms, and loneliness).
The results of the study show that not only are people who regularly use green space, but also those who live in houses with green views have better mental health.
This shows that even if people can ’ t be in a green space, the natural landscape of their own home can be beneficial for their mental health.
In the figure, the size of the positive (right side of the dotted line) and negative (left side of the dotted line) effects indicates that there is a positive or negative relationship between each factor and each mental health indicator.
For example, “green landscape ” was associated with low levels of depression and anxiety symptoms, while“ Covid-19 impact on income ” was associated with high levels of depression and anxiety symptoms.
Analysis of the results suggests that experiencing nature can affect mental health to the same extent as factors such as income that have traditionally been considered important for mental health.
Since 2001, Sekisui House has been committed to preserving biodiversity by building a green network in urban residential areas through its “Gohon no Ki ” (Five Trees) Project.
The project is a project that aims to build gardens and communities with native tree species in the relevant area. Since 2019, it has been working with Kubota Laboratory and Think Nature Inc.
Joint research has shown that the Gohon no Ki project ’ s emphasis on planting native garden trees has led to improvements in biodiversity in urban areas (three major metropolitan areas in Japan) where there has been a significant decline in biodiversity.
This new joint research project will combine analytical methods developed by the GSALS Conservation Ecology Laboratory at the University of Tokyo with the Gohon no Ki Project at Sekisui House to conserve biodiversity.
It is also the first attempt to scientifically study the impact of biodiversity landscaping on human health and well-being.
The study will also demonstrate the importance of building biodiversity gardens from a biodiversity perspective, rather than simply “greening. ”
The lab is conducting research to test five hypotheses about the relationship between human health and interaction with nature under the themes of mental health, physical health, cognitive function and community health.
For now, the new joint research project will focus on two hypotheses related to mental health, as well as one related to cognitive function.
However, this is a long-term joint research project that will also examine community health and other health-related topics.
Masashi Soga, associate professor of GSALS at the University of Tokyo, commented on the joint research project as follows: “People always turn to nature for relaxation and tranquility, and recent research and technological advances have made it possible to quantify these intangible health benefits.
However, little is known about the role of biodiversity in providing these health benefits.
If we can elucidate this issue, perhaps we can develop appropriate landscape and green space management to support harmonious coexistence with nature, which is desirable both from the point of view of protecting biodiversity and enhancing human health. "
“This joint research project is a large-scale survey designed to examine how interacting with nature in our gardens affects our health and well-being, as gardens are probably the natural world most familiar to most of us. ”
Garden biodiversity is an area that has so far been difficult to study, but Sekisui House ’ s nationwide planting data will allow us to conduct the world ’ s first comprehensive survey of the relationship between garden biodiversity and human health, and the way people appreciate nature and interact with it.
So far, the discussion of nature ’ s health benefits has tended to focus on relatively large areas of greenery such as green spaces and forests, but with this new study, we hope to shed light on the importance of actually ‘ living with nature ’.
Our research will hopefully help promote the conservation of urban biodiversity, "he said.
GSALS and Sekisui House at the University of Tokyo aim to contribute to the conservation of urban biodiversity and the building of a nature-friendly society by sharing findings about how the way people interact with nearby nature in an urban environment and how people appreciate and interact with nature affects people ’ s mental health.

Native plants are ideal for local ecosystems, with 90% of insects relying on them for food.

Title:

Content: CLEVELAND — Meadow City Nursery, a shop that sells only native plants, opened in June with the goal of educating the community of the benefits of growing native plants.

What You Need To Know

  • Meadow City Nursery opened in June and sells only native plants

  • Its founders say creating native gardens in the community could help local wildlife populations

  • The response to the nursery has been great, so they plan to expand over time to meet the community's demands

Native plants have been in the places they’re grown for thousands of years and are ideal for the local ecosystem and wildlife.

“So, gardening with native plants can be really rewarding,” Julie Slater, founder of Meadow City Nursery, said. “Because you plant them in your garden, and then you get to see it being visited by native butterflies, little native bees, by birds that are eating the seeds or the insects, and you can have a much more lively garden.”

Many nurseries sell plants that come from other places across the globe, and while they may be beautiful, they’re not ideal for the bees and birds living in your backyard. Slater said 90% of insects, over thousands of years, have built relationships with local plants.

So, when you plant a flower from Europe in your garden, the local bees won’t recognize it as a food source.

Dave Tomashefski, education specialist at Meadow City, said in the past 20 years in Ohio, butterflies have declined by a third, and over 25% of North American bumblebees are threatened with extinction.

But growing native gardens could help address the issue.

“In the past 10 years, there’s been this realization that we can do a lot to turn these things around by increasing a habitat, and we can do it in our yards, just by the way we landscape,” Tomashefski said. “We don’t need to turn our yards into a forest. It could just have to do with what we put in our gardens.”

Slater said Meadow City started with some small pop-ups around the city until they were able to open a nursery on a plot of land on Cleveland’s east side in June. She said she hopes this will provide the community with a place they can reliably count on to get native plants.

“We thought the response would be good, but it was even better than we thought,” Slater said. “There’s a lot of organizations that have been doing really good work, teaching people about native plants and their benefits. So, in Cleveland, we found that people were really ready for it and excited for it.”

Because the response has been so good, Slater said they’re hoping to continue to grow and evolve to serve the community.

So, they’re keeping an eye on a couple more vacant lots.

“Starting next year, we’re hoping to offer trees and shrubs,” Slater said. “We’d really like to help reforest Cleveland, and a big part of the dream is to be able to hire some of our neighbors. We’ve had a really warm welcome from our neighboring community, and I think it’d just be incredibly rewarding to offer some people's jobs as well, though the nursery.”

Vertical gardens are a low-maintenance, long-term investment option lasting up to 25 years.

Title:

Content: Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd Now Provides Singapore Properties with Vertical Green Walls

Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd is famous for its vertical wall planters, green walls and flower backdrop in Singapore. The company caters to residential and commercial clients as well.

Singapore, 2023-Jan-04 — /EPR Network/ — Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd, the leading landscaping company in Singapore is offering vertical green walls to commercial and residential properties. Whether it is a retail showroom or a high rise, the vertical green wall is an innovative approach towards introducing nature amidst the concrete jungle.

The company uses quality vertical wall planters, ensuring the healthy growth of the plants. These vertical walls are easy to maintain, assemble, install, disassemble, and reinstall. The technique used by Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd ensures the user does not have to spend much time tending and taking care of the plants.

Along with green walls, the company also provides clients with exquisite flower backdrops in Singapore to complement the greenery around them. It’s a long-term investment as a green wall can last up to 25 years.

Vertical walls by Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd come with some unique features:

  • Custom design to suit the client’s needs.
  • Minimal watering of the green wall plants.
  • Ultra-low maintenance ensured.
  • Quick installation due to a modular system.
  • Use of plants that can survive in a tropical climate.

Why choose a vertical green wall?

  • Reduces waste of energy.
  • Improves air quality.
  • Makes the structure sustainable.
  • The space becomes more fire-resistant.
  • Minimizes ambient noise.

The general installation cost for a vertical green wall by Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd ranges between $200 per square meter and $1200 per square meter, depending on the design, the kind of plants used and the installation process.

About the company:

One of the oldest nurseries in Singapore, Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd has 50 years of experience in the industry. Started out humbly as a flower shop, Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd have evolved into a full-fledged landscape design and installation specialist.

Contact Details

Telephone: 65 6763 7000

Fax: 65 6892 2700

WhatsApp: +65 8838 3479

Email: buzz@prince.com.sg

Address: 53 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 698998

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Vertical green walls make structures more sustainable, fire-resistant, and aesthetically pleasing while reducing energy waste and improving air quality.