With 22 million people, Mexico City is one of the world’s most crowded metropolises. Known for its congested traffic and air pollution, now it’s also attracting attention for the Via Verde Project that’s giving concrete highway support pillars an amazing green makeover.
Citizens of Mexico City are adding a touch of nature as they help fight air pollution with the help of a half million plants and some recycled plastic bottles.
The Via Verde Project is transforming a thousand highway pillars into vertical gardens. These plants are not only beautifying the city, but they’re also helping to remove pollutants from the air and decreasing drivers’ stress levels.
A variety of plants are grown inside felt pockets made from plastic beverage bottles, and a rainwater collection system ensures they stay hydrated.
So far, 700 columns are planned, and when it’s finished the project will span 27 kilometers (over 16 miles). The Via Verde design studio leading these efforts say that each year:
In addition, hundreds of design, installation and maintenance jobs will have been created.
Check out this video to learn more about this project!
Resources:
I’m a crazy plant lady, my home looks like a jungle in the winter months! In the summer, the jungle gets to move outside! Yes, I was aware that they clean the air, that’s why Green life is so important! Ivy’s and succulents are my favourites! This article was very neat, so excited about this project!
This idea is fab. Hope more cities follow suit.
So many cities could benefit from this fantastic idea! I love plants, inside and out!
Beautiful!!
Job creation and clean air! Way to go Via Verde!
I have a lot of pothos and peace lilies b/c they are easy to grow 🙂 I have been growing plants since college (started 1994) and “divide and share” with friends OFTEN. I’m well-known for having as many at work as I have at home. I think I had 19 before I moved. A few didn’t make it, and some were gifted, but many are here in NC with me now 🙂