Chicago's Green Alleys

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Chicago is the alley capital of America with nearly 2,000 miles of small service streets. Experts say Chicago's Green Alley initiative is among the most ambitious street makeover plans in the country. An alley-laden city prone to flooding and with runoff water straining its sewer system, Chicago decided to retrofit its alleys with road-building materials which are environmentally sustainable.

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Originally unpaved, most of Chicago's alleys had no drainage structures or connection to the sewer system, leaving rainwater to simply grain through the gravel or cinder surfacing. As alleys were paved over with with concrete or asphalt, Chicago alleys became covered by 3,500 acres of impermeable surface. Flooding became a problem for properties abutting ally right of ways (Fiegel, 2008).

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The initial six pilot projects approved by Mayor Daley in 2006 were yet another eco-friendly improvement in storm water management, heat reduction, material recycling, energy conservation and glare reduction on behalf of The City of Chicago's Department of Transportation. Storm water runoff into the storm sewer system was reduced by up to 80%. Flooding of adjacent properties was also reduced, as well as the urban heat island effect. One of the great successes of the Green Alley Program is how quickly it moved from pilot to program. In 2007, 46 alleys were transformed, and every alley that CDOT constructed incorporated some aspect of the program. The city plans to continue this practice well into the future. 

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In green alleys, water penetrates the soil through the pavement, which is made of permeable concrete or porous asphalt. The water is then filtered through stone beds and recharges the underground water table instead of becoming polluted runoff in rivers, streams and even Lake Michigan. 

The four pilot approaches consist of:

1. Green pavement materials with conventional drainage: a properly graded and pitched alley surface directs storm water towards the center of the alley, into the adjacent streets, and finally into the existing sewer system. Optional inlet structures connected to under drain pipes assist the system during heavy rains.

2. Full alley infiltration using permeable pavement: the entire alley surface integrates permeable pavement materials (permeable asphalt, permeable concrete or permeable pavers).

3. Center alley infiltration using permeable pavement: the alleyway is pitched to direct storm water towards permeable pavement materials at the center of the alley. optional inlet structures connected to underdrain pipe assist the system during heavy rain events.

4. Green pavement materials with subsoil filtration systems: the concrete alleyway is pitched to inlet structures with perforated sides, which allow storm water to seep into an infiltration trench.

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Some residents felt the city should have first focused their green efforts on a more comprehensive recycling program. In 2013, Mayor Rahm Emanuel expanded the Blue Cart Residential Recycling Program citywide, adding to a vast array of "green initiatives" which make Chicago one of the most environmentally conscious cities in the country. It is currently ranked at number nine, just ahead of Austin, Texas and quickly on the rise. Other green programs include: an expedited permitting process for builders using green technology, 2.5 million square feet of rooftop gardens, over a half-million new trees, garbage trucks and street sweepers with emission-control devices and more than 200 acres of parks.

The Green Alley Handbook:

http://www.cityofchicago.org/dam/city/depts/cdot/Green_Alley_Handbook_2010.pdf

From Green Dreams to Reality

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According to www.foodmatters.tv, the top ten reasons to grow your own organic food are:

1.  Get the nutrition you need and enjoy tastier food

2.  Save money

3.  Protect future generations

4.  Prevent soil erosion

5.  Protect water quality

6.  Save energy

7.  Keep chemicals off your plate

8.  Protect farm workers and help small farmers

9.  Promote biodiversity

10. Help beautify your community

I'd like to focus on #1. Did you know humans share 99.4% of their genes with chimpanzees? However, our diets couldn't be more different.

According to Jane Goodall, the average chimp's diet is about 50% fruit, and depending on the season, 25-50% green leafy vegetables. In March and April 10% of their diet consists of blossoms. They naturally eat what's in season. In November they consume a small amount of insects and animals, but rarely more than 1% of their diet. They eat a few seeds and root vegetables as well, but not a lot of nuts because they usually require tools to open them. Primarily, chimps prefer fruit.

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The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) is approximately 50% carbohydrate, 15% protein and 35% fat. Unfortunately, Americans tend to favor processed, simple starches and fast food, because it tastes good and is literally designed to be addictive. Let's not jump the gun and place primates upon a virtuous health food pedestal. I've long believed if chimps were given free access to all the processed foods humans have and subjected to the same constant barrage of advertising, they'd become just as addicted in no time. In fact, I've noticed in studies involving primates being taught sign language they're sometimes rewarded with m&ms, which immediately become their favorite treat.

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So what's the antidote to a junk food addiction and the Standard American Diet? Victoria Boutenko has also studied chimps and in doing so probably discovered the most effective ally in the war against food addiction. She's a raw food educator and author of many excellent books, including Green for Life, in which she shares the findings of her famous Roseburg Study. 

www.rawfamily.com

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In 2005, Boutenko, a former nurse, and Dr. Paul Fieber, who had been prescribing 27 patients age 16-80, hydrochloric acid pills, had them simply add one daily quart of green smoothies to their regular diet. Hydrochloric acid breaks down your food so your body can utilize the nutrients. Not producing enough results in ailments such as acid reflux, indigestion and a number of seemingly unrelated low health issues. Blending the greens and fruit provides the most efficient means of absorption of nutrients and the most delicious means of getting them down. The study was conducted with mainstream North Americans from various walks of life, and with a variety of health issues. The study proved a healthy stomach acid for breaking down food and aiding in nutrient absorption is crucial for every aspect of our health. In Boutenko's words, "Chlorophyll differs from hemoglobin in its central atom, but a molecule of chlorophyll very closely resembles a molecule of human blood." According to Dr. Ann Wigmore, "Consuming chlorophyll is like receiving a healthy blood transfusion."

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After just one month, participants' hydrochloric acid recovered 68.6%, which allowed them to absorb more nutrients. They also reported numerous exciting health improvements, including:  a disappearance of unhealthy cravings, craving more greens, feeling light and happy, weight loss, more restful sleep, needing less sleep, improved sexual performance, fewer headaches, more stable emotions, more energy, disappearance of suicidal thoughts and a noticeable decrease in hair loss. In addition, long time skin issues cleared up and chronic dandruff disappeared. Vision also improved, as well as visual hyper-sensitivity to sunlight and women reported menstruation cycles improved in regularity.

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In all reality, instead of driving to our local pharmacy, we could be strolling out to our own greenhouse, and taking Hippocrates advice, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."

Geothermal Solutions

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Geothermal power, is energy created from heat beneath the Earth's surface. It's very clean and safe for the environment, yet it supplies less than 10% of the world's energy. It's even extremely price competitive in suitable areas. It is considered a sustainable energy, because hot water can be re-injected into the ground. Iceland's main source of energy is geothermal. New Zealand also considers geothermal energy very important. They're both volcanically active regions.

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4,000 miles deep the Earth's core may reach temperatures over 9,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This heat is constantly flowing outward while heat from the sun is also flowing inward. Both energy sources can be tapped into by pumping water from a well (open loop), or by pumping a heat transfer fluid through a horizontal or vertical circuit of underground piping (closed loop). The fluid absorbs the heat in the ground water or soil and transfers it to the heat pump. The heat absorbed by the fluid is extracted from it by the heat pump, and the chilled fluid is circulated through a heat exchanger repeatedly to extract more heat from the earth. 

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Geothermal energy can be used to heat or cool homes as well as commercial buildings. It can also be used to heat water. A few feet beneath the surface, the earth's temperature remains fairly constant year round, ranging from approximately 44 degrees Fahrenheit in Canada's northern latitudes to 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the most southern United States. Constant temperatures afford extremely efficient heating and cooling. In winter, a water solution circulating through pipes buried in the ground absorbs heat from the earth and carries it into the home. Systems inside the home then heat the interior space with that same energy through standard ductwork. In summer, the process is naturally reversed. Either way, it's more efficient and environmentally superior to transfer heat than to create it through combustion. Homeowners will save between 25 and 50 percent on utility bills as compared with conventional systems. Geothermal systems also require less maintenance.

The Book Trailer!

The Pros and Cons of Wind Farming

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Wind energy as a power source is attractive as an alternative to fossil fuels because of its advantages:

1.  The environmental effects of wind power are relatively minor

2.  Wind power consumes no fuels and emits no air pollution

3.  The energy consumed to manufacture and transport the materials used to build a wind power plant is equal to the new energy produced by the plant within a few months of operation

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Garrett Gross, a scientist from UMKC in Kansas City, Missouri explains that the impact made on the environment is minor when compared to the gained advantages. While a wind farm may cover a large area of land, many land uses, such as agriculture, are compatible. However, the wind turbines also pose some danger to birds and bats, which has been a concern in many locations. Some dismiss the number of birds killed by wind turbines as negligible when compared to the number that die as a result of other human activities, and especially the environmental impacts of using non-clean power sources. Others are in very strong disagreement with the placement of wind farms.

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New evidence suggests that the critically endangered California Condor is being killed at the Tehachapi Pass wind farm in Southern California. In 1986 the world population was down to five birds resulting in one egg. Thanks to legislation allowing some to be raised in captivity, by 2008 the world population reached 327. As scavengers, they play a critical role in their food chain and ecosystem.

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Bat species also appear to be at risk during key movement periods. Almost nothing is known about current populations of these species and the impact on bat numbers as a result of mortality at wind power locations. They roost under bridges, in culverts, trees, caves and even beneath clay roof tiles. Colonies vary in size from 20 to millions, so populations can prove difficult to calculate and monitor. The largest known California colony is close to 200,000 bats in a single cave. Recent studies indicate wind farms kill between 600,000 and 900,000 bats every year. However, bats prefer not to fly when it's windy. A 2010 study found that increasing and decreasing blade cut-in speeds could greatly reduce bat fatalities by 43-93% with minimal losses in power generation.

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Aesthetics have also been an issue in some areas. We, as urban planners, need to be particularly sensitive to large scale placements of wind turbines as the visual impact may create opposition from local communities. As an example, the Massachusetts Cape Wind project was delayed for years mainly because of aesthetic concerns. We also need to be sensitive to the pristine view which the commercial wind farm may irreversibly ruin.

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Another solution may be placing the wind farms further from human, animal and bird activity. One solution may be to place them on the ocean, far enough from shore so migration birds and bats will not be affected and the view of the horizon will not be obstructed. Moreover, such a placement despite higher installation cost, is one of the greatest placements because water has less surface roughness than land (especially deeper water), and the average wind speed is usually considerably higher over the open water. 

And how does that impact aquatic life? There is no perfect energy source. Each comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. It is up to us to take every aspect into consideration, weigh all the pros and cons and make informed decisions. Together we will learn. 

Community Area

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Recently a friend shared wonderful stories about his old neighborhood, Campbell Park, in Chicago. When he was a child growing up in the 1950's all the houses in his neighborhood used to face a shared park in the center. He treasures those fond memories of the park and how it drew the community together. Of course it's long gone now, along with that sense of community. How many of us know our neighbors by name and socialize with them? How many of us would feel comfortable turning to a neighbor for help these days or more importantly, offering a helping hand? Each of us possesses the power within our hearts to revive this tradition of genuine community.

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A key component to the RIBA Green City Model is the central community area, which is 800 feet by 480 feet, approximately 8.8 acres. It can be used for athletic fields, play spaces, storage, a skate park, orchards, picnic space, walking paths, concerts, , art fairs, gardening and green infrastructure, like bioswales and permeable pavement to improve water quality. A source of renewable energy would also be right at home in this space for the entire community. A windmill or combined heat and power system would be ideal.

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However, the primary purpose of the community area is to provide an open space for socializing and a safe space in which children can play. Often there is too little shared open space provided in newer developments, which can contribute to feelings of isolation, particularly for elderly residents. A community space reminiscent of the village green is an important component in this community-focused design. A small community facility or shelter should be provided, which could be used for children's birthday parties or other celebrations and events. 

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The community area would:

1.  Increase community spirit

2.  Preserve time and reduce the use of motor vehicles

3.  Concentrate after school activities into one area

4.  Enhance volunteerism, creating a multi-generational influence

5.  Create a safer environment where everyone knows everyone

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This important space will also contribute to the sustainability of the community by providing additional space for fruit trees or other edible landscaping, as well as some very important sustainable infrastructures including bioswales, rain gardens and permeable surfaces.

Olive Trees are Treasures

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The trees in the foreground of our cover to the right are palms, but those in the background are olive trees, a truly incredible resource.

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The olive tree can be grown for personal consumption or as a product to supplement income, as its fruit has grown into a modern industry worth an estimated $20 billion a year. In 1991 Australia imported $38 million worth of olive products, and by 1996 imports rose to $115 million. Olive oil now commands up to 50 percent of the edible oil shelf space in leading supermarkets. Japan's imports of olive oil almost doubled from 1995 to 1996, and the US imports 100 times the olive oil locally produced. Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and many northern European countries are also rapidly increasing their demand for high quality olive products.

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The olive is a beautiful tree with silvery grey-green leaves, and the ability to withstand the battering of storms, salt water, heat and cold, and remain "evergreen". The olive is a drought resilient tree, and unlike many other fruit orchards, an olive grove can be neglected and then revitalized to be brought back into production.

Ancient olive trees in Gethsemane in Jerusalem

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With minimal care olive trees will live and produce fruit for well over a thousand years; this has been demonstrated in the Middle East and places like the Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem. There are no limits to the commercial viability of an olive grove on fertile soils, provided that the tree receives suitable annual pruning, water and fertilizer; a well-maintained orchard planted with 5 meter by 8 meter spacing can be commercially viable for well over 100 years.

Olives are regularly grown on properties throughout the world as a handsome windbreak; spacing in this case can be as close as three meters (10 feet); however this spacing will not be as productive per tree. Olive groves, avenues and boundary plantings increase the value of any property.

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Olive trees will tolerate a large range of soil conditions, preferring a neutral to alkaline (having a pH greater than 7) soil type. If your soils are acidic, they may be easily changed to an optimal pH of 7.0-8.0 by simple methods such as the addition of agricultural lime, a soil additive made from pulverized limestone or chaalk. Olives will often grow in hilly, rocky areas that are not suitable for other crops.

However, they do not like very heavy soils that hold excessive water after wet periods. Therefore the olive may not be the best tree in flood prone areas. Olive trees are best grown in areas with cool to cold winters and hot summers; for many varieties some winter frost is preferred. A frost is a deposit of small white ice crystals formed when the temperature falls below freezing. Summer temperatures are important for the growth of fruit-bearing foliage. Most olive growing regions of the world have average maximum daily temperatures, in the hottest month of summer, somewhere above 30 degrees Celsius/86 degrees Fahrenheit. However, apart from the cool winter and warm summer requirements, the moisture levels of the tree must also be adequate. Some varieties have been seen to survive minus 15 degrees Celsius/5 degrees Fahrenheit as long as they are in good health. A properly irrigated grove will withstand much greater extremes in temperatures than a traditionally planted dry land grove.

Lovedale Hunter Valley

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The main factor in choosing spacing is the harvesting method to be employed on the grove. In the majority of groves, the best yield per hectare over a thirty year period results when trees are planted 5 meters apart in hedges, with a space of 8 meters between the hedge rows. This spacing yields 250 trees per hectare (104 trees/acre). With densities greater than 200 trees/ha (hedge planting), it is important to run the hedge rows approximately north/south so that the sun penetrates the foliage of all trees in the hedge most effectively.

Olive trees need very little water to survive if serving as an ornamental or landscape tree. However, for a good crop, mature olives generally need at least two waterings to field capacity (full depth of roots - approximately one meter in mature trees), each winter (this will depend on soil type). A drastic reduction in rainfall and irrigation water will result in a poor crop of only one-third to one-half of a fully irrigated commercial crop. A mature olive grove will use between 6 and 10 mega-liters of water per hectare per year. For this reason fertigation (the use of fertilizers through an irrigation system) should be employed, as it is a very efficient way to irrigate and will produce an abundant crop. 

Gray water rain collection

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The olive tree is one of the few fruit bearing trees that will survive and still produce quite well with poor quality saline (salty) water. Saline water that is unfit for human use is generally quite suitable for olives. For this reason olive trees can be watered with the grey water or rainwater harvested in the Riba City Model.

Olives can be marketed in a wide selection of products and packaging, and include the following: green or black plain, herbed, stuffed, or sliced pickled olives, in bottles, cans or vacuum packaging. Olives can be processed using many different recipes, each producing unique flavors. Olive oils are processed and sold in many different grades in bottles, pressure packs or cans.

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Olive oil is also used in soaps and oils; the Japanese are using olive oil in a wide range of cosmetics, shampoos, conditioners and health products. Olive Leaf Extract is proven to be anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. Olive by-products such as olive seeds are being used to produce electricity, fertilizers, stock feeds, activated carbon, and even plastics. Olive waste could be used in the combined heating and power system on-site as well.

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