More than 30 years ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) hypothesised that reduced indoor air quality, where we spend most of our day, could have a markedly negative impact on our health, which was subsequently confirmed by detailed reports. The so-called Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) has been cited in the WHO report as a direct cause of conditions such as chronic headaches, asthma-like conditions and other respiratory disorders, and even chronic digestive problems. What can we do to effectively combat this problem?
The term: “garden” for most of us is associated with a large, open expanse of lawn, surrounded by exquisite flowerbeds and shaded by dense treetops. This is a very enjoyable and relaxing picture. But how can we translate it into reality in today's world, where nearly 60% of the population lives in large urban centres, and this number will continue to grow?
Our longing for greenery is, in a sense, “imprinted” in our DNA, and it is not just a slogan proclaimed by fanatical supporters of incorporating ecological solutions into every aspect of life. It's a certain behavioural reaction and our health depends on this, as discussed in the WHO report. Especially in homes and offices, where we spend most of our time, proper organisation of green space is very important.
Improving air quality. Home gardens and green walls
Decrease in air quality is influenced, among others, by its insufficient humidification and oxygenation, especially in conditions of repeated “filtering” of the same air by ventilation systems. To prevent this, the simplest solution seems to be to place potted plants in rooms “at risk” of the disease. In practice, however, it turns out that the proverbial common polypody or aspidistra on the windowsill will not improve our well-being.
Vertical urban farms and green walls are becoming increasingly popular. Their construction is a big step toward improving indoor air quality while providing locally produced food to their residents. However, we should remember that when creating this type of system the substrate for this type of cultivation should be entirely brought from outside the agglomeration, due to pollution and heavy metals in the city. This is a significant argument against the financial viability of such projects, if in addition to oxygen production we also assume that the farms we install will provide their users with healthy, nutrient-rich food.
More and more people and companies are choosing to cover the roofs of their buildings with turf in order to contribute to improving air quality in urban areas. The systems of “green walls” and apiaries installed on roofs have similar applications. In the field of urban farming, large-scale hydroponic farms are already operating in many parts of the world as, for now, an additional form of sourcing food products, especially vegetables: but industrial food production is one thing, while the healthy human need to spend time in nature is quite another, no less important.
