How Sustainable Cities Work

Ever heard of a city so eco friendly that it actually has a positive impact on the environment? If the answer is no, then you may not yet know what sustainable cities are. These are cities are designed with the sole aim of producing a positive environmental impact and as a consequence helping the planet. Inhabitants would use less energy meaning cities will no longer rely on various devices that are harmful to the environment. Aside from lower energy use, there would also be less consumption of food and water. Air pollution would be prevented by the fact there would be less contaminants, such as Carbon Dioxide and methane, in the air. In reality, a sustainable city would not depend heavily on the countryside because it can generate tons of organic food for itself every year. With the soil then free from contaminants, it can sustain a lot of fruit and vegetables without resorting to the use of pesticides or other harmful substances.

Ecological stability is the key to an eco-friendly green city. People living in such a city would be using materials that do not harm the earth. A smaller population would be required to ensure the ecosystem remains balanced. Rather than using inorganic substances such as DDTs, farmlands would be using compost-based materials. Everyday products would then be recycled or converted from waste into durable energy sources. The smaller number of harmful substances in the atmosphere means the ozone layer would be less affected, which in turn would diminish the immediate threat of climate change. The fact that energy would be generated from waste materials means there would no longer be a need for new nuclear power plants and dams to be built. Solar and wind power can provide a clean and healthy power alternative. This would be one of the key concepts for sustainable development.

Filtration would be the key for maintaining cleaner water sources and supplies. Because waste is purposefully recycled, it would not be left in rivers or streams, therefore ensuring purer water supplies flowing throughout the smart city. There would be no need to mix chemicals like chlorine with the water as underground sources would already be clean
enough for consumption. Meanwhile trees would also act as extra filters removing any remnants or waste. Through recycling, proper handling of waste and the prevention of pollution, wastewater management would no longer be needed.