'Green Loop' is a proposed network of dual-purpose composting hubs and public parks for the city of New York. It is the brainchild of New York architecture firm Present Architecture.
The Green Loop is essentially a collection of ten islands -- at least one in each borough of the city -- containing a composting facility with an elevated public park. The composting facilities would process organic waste into compost, while the elevated public spaces could accommodate parks, recreation centers and educational facilities.
With New York City producing over 14 million tons of trash and offering less open space per person that most major North American cities, the Green Loop aims to kill two birds with one stone. Organic waste makes up 30% of all residential waste, and composting it would help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while alleviating traffic and pollution problems caused by trucking the garbage to out-of-state landfills. Meanwhile, the elevated public park spaces would add 125 acres of public park land.
Metropolitan Compost Islands
The Green Loop Network Will Add an Eco-Friendly Edge to the Big Apple
Trend Themes
1. Dual-purpose Composting Hubs - Urban areas can utilize composting facilities that double as public parks to reduce waste and create valuable green spaces.
2. Waste Management Innovation - Creating more efficient and sustainable solutions for waste management will become increasingly important in urban areas.
3. Elevated Public Spaces - Developing public spaces in urban areas can increase access to open areas and improve overall quality of life.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Architecture and construction firms can help design and construct innovative composting facilities that double as public spaces.
2. Waste Management - Waste management companies can explore new technologies and solutions for processing organic waste in urban areas.
3. Urban Planning - Urban planners can integrate the development of public green spaces into waste management plans to create more sustainable and livable cities.