In Singapore, where 82% of the residents live in "cookie-cutter tower blocks," urban gardens are a growing trend, as this article points out [hat tip to WorldChanging for the link].
But it's more than just sprucing things up with pretty green plants. Urban gardens have a positive impact both environmentally and economically...
As well as reducing air and noise pollution, plants lower ambient air temperatures through evapo-transpiration, and by blocking heat from the sun with their leaves.
..."From the scientific point of view, every plant produces a cooling effect," said Professor Nyuk Hien Wong, of the Department of Building at the National University of Singapore, who designs the green walls.
"The rule of thumb is one degree less is a five percent (energy) saving".
The WorldChanging post points out that urban gardening has social benefits as well...
Besides reducing air and noise pollution, Nierenberg says, “urban farming can create community through farmers’ markets and community-supported agriculture groups, and improve public health by providing more fresh vegetables for the poor.”
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