Green infrastructure--the quiet revolution

When I heard last week about the plans to turn Philadelphia green, they mentioned sod roofs on parking ramps.  Sod roofs--that was something I hadn't heard about.  Then yesterday while in Minneapolis, I heard on the radio about the green roof on the Target Center, a huge arena.  When I "googled" the Target Center, I was amazed at how far the green revolution has already advanced in some cities. 

Today, environmental news focuses on climate change and the energy crisis.  The term "green" seems most associated with solar cells or electric cars.  Green infrastructure--the more rational way of dealing with storm water, water quality, and drinking water, hasn't received as much attention from the media.

Yet green infrastructure is more likely to actually make our cities and neighborhoods livable.  The quality of lakes and streams for recreation will be improved, while our surroundings will be greener, cooler, and more inviting.  Green infrastructure will save money for taxpayers in the long run.

In Madison, we're barely getting started on rain gardens.  But rain gardens are just the tip of the iceberg, when it comes to green infrastructure.  Madison is still in the "pavement age."

Of course we've got to keep working on climate and energy issues.  But as we rebuild and expand our urban areas--GO GREEN.  The payoff will be visible right away.