DePAVE the WAY!
Please note the corrected address: 88 Bartlett St.
Join Cador & Lenni from Somerville Climate Action:
Saturday May 11 from 12:30 to 3:00pm
Steve Langdon's house at 88 Bartlett St. (between Macoun Sq. & Winter Hill)
Rain date: Sunday, May 12 from 12:30 to 3:00pm
If you haven't already, please sign up on this Google Groups form to let us know you'll be there.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFFZbE1OS05XblFXYl9EQUc2UzVKcmc6MQ
See "Depaving the Way to a Safer Climate in Somerville"
http://vimeo.com/22830594
In Spanish: ¿Qúe Es Depaving?
http://talkingaboutsomerville.blogspot.com/2011/04/que-es-depaving.html
WHAT WE HAVE
Impervious surfaces prevent rainwater from entering the soil and instead divert it to nearby waterways. Along the way, the rainwater carries pollutants such as oil, antifreeze, plastics, pesticides, and heavy metals from the roads into local streams and rivers, devastating habitats and polluting local waterways.
BEA PARTOFTHE SOLUTION
The removal of pavement allows for the revegetation of land with trees and plants. The benefits of urban vegetation include:
* Storm water becomes purified naturally when water soaks into the soil and returns to the water table
* Climate change is decreased when plants remove carbon dioxide from the air and produce oxygen
* Green spaces reduce the "urban heat island effect" which results when dark-colored asphalt absorbs summer heat, decreasing the need for electricity to power fans and air conditioners
* Shade trees and bushes cool homes and outdoor spaces by shading of the sun’s rays
* Evapotranspiration of rain on the leaves results in further cooling
* Trees and bushes protect against harsh winds
* Green areas provide much needed beauty to urban areas
* Air quality is enhanced when particulate pollutants are removed from the air
* Trees and bushes provide visual privacy and reduce noise from the street
* Green spaces restore local habitat for birds, insects and other wildlife
* Vegetable gardens provide homeowners with local nutritious food
