Plant a palm for a better future

Through establishing green boundaries on properties and planting roof-top gardens, carbon filtration and exchange can enrich the atmosphere and thus create a healthier living environment for all. And not only that, creating greenery and planting trees, especially palm trees, makes for a beautiful tropical environment, providing both crucial shade and a feast for the eyes.

Green roofs have many benefits whether at an economic or ecological level, and especially in hot tropical climes; mitigate flooding by creating a rainwater buffer or helping to regulate temperatures thus reducing the need for air-conditioning and heating, green roofs certainly create a safe and healthy environment. And not just for us. Although they don’t directly replace ground environments, they also attract wildlife and vital bees, creating a thriving eco-friendly habitat.

I propose a mission whereby palm seedlings would be given to entrylevel school students to plant in the schoolyard during their first year so they can care for it year after year throughout their whole education.

There is no denying the visual appeal of a green roof and it’s certainly guaranteed to attract positive attention. But the impact of creating and experiencing green zones on otherwise barren pieces of land cannot be underestimated. Utilising plants especially adapted to the specific environment to be transformed, such as drought-resistant species in areas of lower rainfall or spectacular palm trees, can have a true therapeutic effect and make a previously desolate and unwelcoming place lush and inviting.

I propose a mission whereby palm seedlings would be given to entry-level school students to plant in the schoolyard during their first year so they can care for it year after year throughout their whole education. Not only would this project create an awareness about the future beautification of the island and the importance of nurturing the environment around them, but it may even become the spark to fuel a child’s future career in landscaping or agriculture.

By Peter Reitz, CEO of Green Dreams / Square One