PERMEABLE PAVEMENTS AND GREEN ROOFS CLASS FOR YOUR HOME

Free class to be held this Saturday, June 2 at Water Conservation Garden

By Sierra Robinson

May 30, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) -- Imagine plucking a ripe tomato off your roof, or filtering rainwater through your driveway. Green roofs and permeable pavement can make all of that a reality.

This weekend, the Water Conservation Garden  at Cuyamaca College is offering a free class from 9-11am about how and why you can install a green roof or permeable pavement at your home or business.

Green roofing is simply a garden above your home; it may be as simple as sod, or more adventurous such as a whole garden of fruits and vegetables. Permeable pavements are typically made up of porous or spaced blocks, with natural dirt beneath or grass in between.

The benefits of green roofs are many, such as a decrease in heating and cooling costs for a building, as well as providing weatherproofing that protects and extends the life of your roof. It can also serve as a type of fireproofing, which in wildfiire-prone East County would be a great advantage. The green roof is also a step toward lessening our region’s carbon footprint.

Permeable pavement is also a great factor in decreasing wastewater pollution. The permeable surface allows water to filter back to the earth, rather than filling the city’s storm drains. It also reduces flooding risks, because the water is absorbed back into the grass below. It can allow for dangerous pollutants from accumulating in nature as well as giving local trees a chance to take root in a more natural way.

Plants on a green roof can be ornamental or edible. The bigger the variety, the more complex the irrigation.  All filter out waste water pollutants, decrease the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, improve air quality and enhance property value of the home or business.

View a flyer on Saturday’s class. To preregister, visit http://www.thegarden.org or call 619-660-0614 ext. 10.