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Green streets refer to a sustainable stormwater management technique that comprises the features of the environment, such as trees, vegetation, rainwater, and infiltration methods. Street surfaces are transformed to help with stormwater management in cities.

See what it’s all about.

Green Streets

Maybe you’re unfamiliar with the term “green streets.” However, if you live in any urban city, you might have seen some without knowing they have a name. The primary purpose of the green streets is to incorporate green infrastructure that performs natural, ecological functions. The green infrastructure absorbs the rainwater/stormwater from the sidewalks to protect the water quality in rivers, the sea, and other local water bodies. Green streets remove nearly 90% of pollutants, which would have entered otherwise.

How It Works

The green streets initiative aims to reduce the runoff of rainwater caused by local flooding by implementing green infrastructure, i.e., making adjustments and changes to the landscape of the local streets.

Simply put, green streets capture the water runoff from nearby streets and sidewalks. The runoff enters the ground, where the plants, trees, and other vegetation soil filter the pollutants.

The green street elements are integrated into a given space in several different ways to provide optimal results. The street landscape is artificially manufactured and designed to include trees, shrubs, and rain gardens.

Permeable pavements are also engineered so that the runoff lands on them. The material used to construct this pavement include concrete, interlocking pavers, and other materials that can absorb water.

Green streets are designed according to the space available and its requirements. The way different plants and vegetation have different requirements is also considered when deciding what green elements can be used in the space. However, the purpose and fundamental design of green streets remain the same every time.

Benefits of Green Streets

There are numerous benefits to any city utilizing the green street initiative because it provides a long-lasting and sustainable solution to the challenges brought by stormwater flooding. Below are a few of the many benefits of implementing this system.

Enhance Air Quality

Green streets enhance air quality since the plants absorb carbon dioxide from the environment and provide oxygen and fresh air.

Providing Habitat

Due to the inclusion of different plants, the green streets will act as habitats for several different species, ultimately improving the ecological system.

Reduction of Water Flowing into Natural Waterbodies

The purpose of green streets is to provide the biggest benefit: clean water. The more water the plants absorb, the lesser water flows into pipes and, consequently, rivers and the sea. This is a problem because the water collects oils, grease, and pollutants while traveling to the waterbody. Therefore, green streets filter out pollutants and sediments.

Mitigation of Local Flooding

The presence of plants, trees, and greenery results in maximum absorption of water, which consequently reduces the probability of an urban flood.

Neighborhood beautification

Green streets and green belts help beautify the area in terms of aesthetics which, in turn, results in a happy and satisfied community.

Encouragement of walking/cycling

The greenery and fresh air also motivate people to go for walks on the green streets and commute using their bicycles.

Reduction in heat levels

Due to the massive variations and changes in the climate, extreme weather conditions are expected. These conditions include heat waves, which can be tackled using green infrastructure, ensuring climate resiliency.

Environmental Preservation & Improvement

The utilization of soils and vegetation is an extension of green streets. The maintenance and restoration of natural processes occur, which results in energy conservation and carbon footprint reduction.

Enhancement of Transportation

Green streets effectively use land, improving traffic patterns and enhancing traffic calming. Waiting for mass-transit vehicles is also made easier as green streets improve the safety infrastructure for pedestrians and citizens as a whole.

Further Considerations

Planning for green streets initiatives is done carefully, considering existing street elements, including the buildings, sidewalks, furniture, and roads. Suitable plants and vegetations are chosen while keeping these factors in mind.

Streets’ topology differs from one another. Therefore, figuring out which stormwater facilities can be incorporated is important since standardized designs for green streets will be inefficient. Each site presents unique challenges and features to work with and will provide the benefits accordingly.

Certain infrastructure and landscapes may work for one location but not for another due to their differences. Additionally, space constraints can also be a limiting factor where certain types of facilities, such as planters, are used, depending on the intensity of storms.

Thus, these are vital considerations to consider before deciding on a location or which stormwater facilities to use.

Final Words

Green streets are primarily used for stormwater management. However, they have many benefits provided with the completion of these measures. Therefore, establishing green streets is considered a multi-faceted process. In this process, planners and engineers work on spaces that require effective, creative strategies covering the different aspects of green streets.

A well-rounded, comprehensive approach to green streets on a global scale will positively affect our planet. They can provide a viable solution to today’s urban ecological challenges.

by Maria A Davidson

We are in business to provide great products for the outdoorsy hikers, campers and their dogs; and to help clean our parks, rivers and oceans for a better planet earth for hikers and their dogs.

Parks Clean

Parks are high-traffic areas in most cities. This means that trash is bound to show up in and around your park and playground.

When discussing ways your family can help clean your local park, don’t overlook a literal cleanup! Picking up trash will make a huge difference in the appearance and vibe of your park. A clean area will encourage others to keep the park pristine. When picking up trash and debris, make sure to wear gloves to protect yourself, and put trash in appropriate receptacles or lawn bags. You can also contact your local trash company to schedule a pickup when you are finished.

Rivers Clean

The storm drain on your street collects the water from your roof, driveway, and sidewalk and funnels it directly in your local lake or river. Nutrients from grass and leaves, pet waste, and fertilizers “enrich” our lakes and streams — feeding algae blooms and harming fish. Chemicals from washing your car in the drive and household chemical spills add up, taking a nasty toll on our favorite swimming areas and fishing spots. Soil can also be picked up by runoff, reducing the clarity of water and hurting fish.

So as you prepare your lawn and garden, here are a few helpful tips to keep our lakes and rivers beautiful and safe for all of us.

Use mulch and vegetation to keep soil from washing away.
Sweep or rake grass and leaves away from street curbs.
Mulch and compost grass clippings and leaves.
Keep paved surfaces to a minimum.
Capture water runoff with a rain garden and rain barrels.
Wash your car on the grass, where the water will get filtered.
Keep chemicals away from storm drains.
Collect your pet’s waste.
Aim your rain-gutter downspouts onto grass.

Beaches Clean (do it for the ocean)

In 2007, the United States Senate and House of Representatives passed the National Clean Beaches Week Resolution to recognize the value of beaches to the American way of life and the important contributions of beaches to the economy, recreation, and natural environment of the United States.

Clean Beaches Week, celebrated annually July 1-7, offers the perfect opportunity to encourage stewardship and volunteerism along our coastlines. But where do you even begin? Follow these tips to get started.

Identify a clean-up site. Choose a place that needs some TLC, making sure that volunteers can safely access the site. Get permission, if needed, for your clean-up event, perhaps from the local parks agency.
Choose a site coordinator. (That might be you!) A beach clean-up takes a lot of work and needs an organized person to keep everything on track before, during, and after the event.
Visit the site in advance. The coordinator will need to know where to set up a volunteer check-in station, where to leave trash and recyclables, and what area(s) volunteers will clean.
Gather supplies. Depending on your location, you’ll need supplies such as trash bags, a first aid kit, hand sanitizer, wipes, and large coolers of water. You should also provide (or ask volunteers to bring) items such as reusable work/garden gloves, reusable water bottles, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Plan how to handle the recyclables. Reach out to recyclers in your area (and perhaps your community’s solid waste departments) to make arrangements for accepting any glass, plastic, and aluminum that you collect.
Line up event partners. Contact local businesses for donations of drinks, food, and supplies. Ask a local solid waste hauler to donate their services for trash removal.
Plan for handling hazardous waste. Determine how you’ll dispose of any medical and sewage waste you might find. One solution: A wide-mouth container with a tight-fitting lid, such as an empty laundry detergent bottle. Clearly label that it contains hazardous waste.
Get volunteers to help. Recruit friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors. Create an event on Facebook and ask volunteers to sign up online. This will give you an idea of how many people to expect and will help communicate event details.
Stay safe. Be prepared for a variety of health emergencies, from minor cuts and scrapes to heat stroke.
Take photos! Post pics online to share the success of your event and recognize volunteers for their hard work.