Cleaner air reduces the risk of respiratory diseases such as asthma, allergies, and cardiovascular problems.

Reducing the urban heat island effect and protecting surfaces in cities from overheating, lowers the risk of heat strokes and health issues related to extreme heat. Physical activity, encouraged by attractive green areas, improves physical fitness, strengthens the immune system, and reduces the risk of lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Greenery has a calming effect by lowering cortisol levels in the body, commonly known as the “stress hormone.” Spending time in nature also positively affects mood and overall well-being. Observing nature  helps improve concentration and focus, a phenomenon known as the "attention restoration effect." Children who  have access to greenery often achieve better academic results, and adults become more creative and efficient at work. Those with access to green spaces are more likely to experience positive emotions and are less likely to suffer from symptoms of depression. Urban greenery has a therapeutic effect, providing opportunities for relaxation and an escape from the hustle of the city. Green public spaces, such as parks, community gardens, and squares, encourage gatherings and the building of social connections. 

These places become natural meeting points and centres for community activities, strengthening bonds between residents.

Urban greenery plays a key role in improving air quality in cities, especially in areas with high population density and industrial pollution. Plants, such as trees, bushes, lawns, and even potted plants, work as natural air filters. Trees, especially large ones with extensive, leafy canopies, capture carbon dioxide (CO2) and atmospheric pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and dust, contributing to a healthier environment for urban residents.

One of the most critical processes is photosynthesis, where plants transform carbon dioxide into oxygen, a gas essential for human and animal life. A single large tree can absorb up to 100 kilograms of CO2 per year and produce enough oxygen for two adults annually.

Urban greenery plays a major role in energy conservation, especially in cities where high summer temperatures lead to heavy use of air conditioning, and winter requires heating buildings. Trees and bushes planted around buildings can provide natural shading and thermal insulation, reducing energy consumption.

Shading buildings with trees is one of the simplest and most effective ways to lower indoor temperatures during summer. Trees with broad canopy, such as oak, maple, or poplar, can reduce temperatures around a building by several degrees, directly reducing energy use for air conditioning. In areas where concrete surfaces heat up quickly, trees can help reduce the amount of heat radiated from surfaces, further lowering air temperature. In winter, trees can act as natural windbreaks. Evergreen trees, like pine, spruce, and fir, planted on the north side of buildings, create a barrier against cold winds, reducing heat loss from buildings and thus lowering energy needs for heating. In contrast, deciduous trees, which lose their leaves in winter, planted on the south side of buildings, allow winter sunlight to help warm buildings.
 

Innovative solutions, such as green roofs and green walls, offer an additional way to enhance building energy efficiency while significantly improving aesthetics.

The choice of houseplants depends on the specific conditions of each room, including the amount of light, humidity, and temperature. Plants like ferns (Polypodium), ivy (Hedera helix), horsetail (Spathiphyllum) or dragonfly (Dracaena) are known for their excellent air-purifying qualities and are also easy to care for.

In homes with limited natural light, plants such as herbaceous (Chlorophytum) or ZZ (Zamioculcas) are well-suited as they can thrive even in partial shade. Through transpiration, where they release moisture into the air, plants contribute to maintaining appropriate humidity levels indoors. This is especially important in winter, when heating can dry out the air, leading to health issues like dry skin, throat, and mucous membranes.

If you have a balcony or terrace - these are also great places to grow potted plants!

Growing your own herbs, fruits, and vegetables at home is an excellent way to reduce emissions associated with the commercial transport of food while enhancing food security and self-sufficiency, meaning having access to a sufficient quantity of safe and nutritious food that meets one’s dietary needs and preferences for an active and healthy life. Even in small spaces like balconies, windowsills, or terraces, it’s possible to successfully grow edible plants that provide fresh ingredients for daily meals.

Herbs are some of the easiest plants to grow indoors. They can be cultivated in pots on  a windowsill, balcony, or terrace. Popular herbs like basil, mint, parsley, coriander,  and rosemary do not require much space, and regular trimming encourages further growth. 
Additionally, these herbs not only taste great but also have health benefits – for example, basil has anti-inflammatory properties, and mint aids digestion.

Vegetables can also be grown at home. Plants like lettuce, arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes grow well in pots and can even be cultivated indoors and on small balconies. With adequate sunlight, regular watering, and natural fertilizers, you can enjoy fresh vegetables straight from your own garden. For those living in small spaces, vertical gardens are an ideal solution, allowing plants to grow vertically and save space.

Although fruits typically require more space, they can also be grown in pots. Strawberries, for example, thrive  in containers, and there are also miniature varieties of fruit trees like lemons, mandarins, and peaches. 
With sufficient sunlight and regular care, you can enjoy home-grown fruit.

Growing edible plants at home has numerous ecological benefits. Firstly, it reduces the need for food transport, cutting CO2 emissions. Secondly, plants grown at home do not require artificial pesticides and fertilizers, making them healthier for both the environment and people. Additionally, growing your own edible plants supports biodiversity, especially when natural methods of fertilization are used instead of chemicals.

Caring for houseplants is essential for their health and longevity. 
Proper watering, fertilizing, and providing suitable lighting conditions  are the basic factors that affect plant growth and development. It’s worth emphasising that eco-friendly plant care methods are not only better  for the environment but also healthier for the plants themselves.

One of the most important aspects of plant care is natural fertilization. 
Instead of using artificial fertilizers, which consume a lot of energy and resources to produce, more environmentally friendly methods of supplying nutrients to plants are recommended. Compost is an excellent source of nutrients for plants, rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium – essential elements for plant growth. It can be made from organic scraps like vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, or tea leaves.

Another natural fertilizer that can be used at home is eggshells. They are rich in calcium, which is essential for the healthy growth of plants, particularly flowering ones. Crushing the eggshells and adding them to the soil supports the healthy development of roots and leaves. Similarly, coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, essential for photosynthesis and leaf growth. Adding coffee grounds to the soil improves its structure and provides plants with better growing conditions.

Another method of natural fertilization is diluted apple cider vinegar, which can be used as a mild acidic fertilizer for plants that prefer acidic environments, such as azaleas, hydrangeas, or ferns. Simply add one tablespoon of vinegar to a litre of water and water the plants every few weeks to boost their health. 

Watering is another key element in houseplant care. It’s crucial to adjust the watering frequency according to each plant’s needs. Tropical plants, like ferns and peace lilies, prefer moist soil and frequent watering, whereas succulents, such as cacti and aloe vera, need much less water and thrive in drier conditions. Overwatering should also be avoided, as it can lead to root rot. A good solution is bottom-watering – placing the pot in a bowl of water for a few minutes – which allows the roots to absorb moisture evenly without risk of overwatering.

Selecting the right plants for an urban garden is essential for gardening success, resource conservation, and environmental protection. Native plants are usually the best choice, as they are naturally adapted to local climate and soil conditions. These plants require less water, fertilization, and maintenance compared to many exotic species. Moreover, they support local wildlife by providing food and habitats for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds. Examples of native plants in Poland: field poppy, clover, wormwood, honeysuckle spotted and moth.

On the other hand, plants like Japanese knotweed are among the most invasive species in Europe and are considered one of the 100 most invasive species worldwide, originally from East Asia. Japanese knotweed harms native species, as its rapid growth and tendency to form dense clusters limit other plants’ access to sunlight. It also releases substances that inhibit the growth of other plants, and like other invasive species, reduces biodiversity.

For urban residents, choosing perennial plants is another step towards sustainable gardening. These plants come back each year, reducing the need for annual replanting, saving time and costs. Perennials like lavender, sage, hollyhocks, and catnip are not only easy to maintain but also attract pollinating insects, creating a healthy ecosystem. These plants are well-suited to urban gardens, even small ones.

A key factor in plant selection is adapting them to local light conditions. 
Plants like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers need full sun, which means at least 6-8 hours daily. In contrast, shade or partial-shade plants like lettuce, spinach, and kale thrive in areas with limited sunlight, such as north-facing balconies. Choosing plants based on light conditions minimizes the need for additional watering and improves crop yield.

Natural gardening aims to maintain soil and ecosystem health without synthetic fertilizers, or pesticides. Instead, it uses composting, mulching, and crop rotation.

Composting is one of the best ways to create nutrient-rich soil for plants. It makes use of organic kitchen waste, such as coffee grounds, fruit scraps (except citrus), vegetable leftovers, and garden waste like grass clippings or leaves. Compost not only improves soil quality but also reduces waste, which is especially important in urban lifestyles. Instead of throwing away organic waste, city dwellers can turn it into natural fertilizer for their plants.

Mulching involves covering the soil with organic materials like straw, bark, wood chips, or leaves. Mulch serves several important functions: it helps retain soil moisture, prevents erosion, and protects against weed growth. Additionally, organic mulch decomposes over time, enriching the soil with micronutrients. In urban settings, where natural soil is limited, mulching is an effective way to improve soil structure and increase biodiversity.

Crop rotation involves changing the types of plants grown in the same area year after year. Proper crop rotation is the most cost-effective way to improve soil fertility and enhances crop quantity and quality.

Permaculture, derived from “permanent” and “culture,” is a design system where different elements work together, creating a sustainable ecological system that includes soil, plants, animals, buildings, and people. Permaculture is a type of horticultural cultivation modelled on natural processes in nature, taking into account the circulation of matter and energy.

After a few years of proper care, a permaculture garden becomes nearly self-sustaining, requiring minimal fertilization and watering.

Natural pest control methods are also crucial in eco-friendly gardening. Instead of using chemical pesticides, consider planting pest-repellent plants, like marigolds, which protect vegetables from nematodes. 
Another solution is companion planting – growing plants that mutually support each other's growth and protect against pests. For instance, planting onions and carrots together deters pests that attack their roots.

Urban gardens, meadows, and home gardens can support local wildlife by creating microhabitats that help increase biodiversity in the city. Adding insect hotels, birdhouses, and a small pond can contribute to healthy ecosystems in urban spaces.

Insect hotels are essential in cities where natural insect habitats are often destroyed. These structures attract pollinators, which are crucial for the growth of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. By providing simple shelters, you can support local pollinator populations and improve crop yields in urban gardens. However, it’s essential to choose locations for insect hotels carefully so that the insects don’t become a nuisance for residents or neighbours.

Birdhouses are another way to support local wildlife. Birds play an important role in ecosystems by helping control pest populations. Additionally, birds spread seeds, promoting the distribution of plants within the city. Birdhouses are easy to install even in small gardens and balconies. It's essential, however, to select birdhouses suited to specific bird species and place them appropriately; consulting an ornithologist or finding reliable online resources can be helpful.

2. Opt for perennial plants that return yearly, saving time and money on replanting

3. Use mulching to reduce the need for frequent watering, retain soil moisture, and protect plants from weeds.

Wetland roofs, also known as multifunctional roofs, are based on wetland and marshland biotopes. These can be installed on residential buildings, underground garages, or even refuse shelters. Rainwater is collected on the sealed roof, and plants purify it, gradually releasing it through evaporation.

Green roofs enhance the energy efficiency of buildings through natural insulation properties – they retain heat inside buildings in winter and prevent overheating in summer. Additionally, green roofs help reduce the urban heat island effect, positively impacting the climate in cities. Vegetation on roofs also absorbs rainwater, easing pressure on sewage systems and reducing the risk of local flooding.

Green walls, also known as living walls, are an innovative way to introduce greenery to vertical spaces, both inside and outside buildings. Green walls not only add aesthetic appeal but also offer numerous ecological benefits – they improve air quality, reduce noise, and aid in thermal insulation of buildings.

Exterior green walls are an excellent solution for urban buildings where space for traditional gardens is limited. Plants on green walls absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and air pollutants, contributing to the improvement of the urban environment. Additionally, exterior green walls act as natural insulation, protecting buildings from excessive heat in summer and cold in winter. Green walls can also support local biodiversity by attracting pollinating insects like bees and butterflies.

2. Support local municipal initiatives and construction projects that promote green roofs on public, commercial, and residential buildings.

Urban parks, gardens, and meadows play a crucial role in creating a healthy urban environment. These spaces not only serve recreational purposes but also have a significant impact on residents' health, air quality, and biodiversity. 

Parks provide access to greenery, places for walking, jogging, exercising, and social gatherings. They are a haven of peace within the often concrete-dominated and crowded city environment.

Flower meadows can be established in city centres, along urban rivers, along cycle paths. They are a place where residents and tourists, as well as honeymooners, like to have their photos taken.

Sensory gardens are designed to stimulate the senses – touch, smell, sight, and hearing. Plants with varied textures, colours, and fragrances offer relaxation and therapeutic benefits. In sensory gardens, plants like lavender, mint, and ornamental grasses invite interaction and provide city residents with a break from everyday stress. These gardens are often used in healthcare and educational facilities to support therapeutic processes.

Community gardens are an ideal solution for those who do not have their own plots. These shared spaces allow residents to grow plants, share knowledge, and make connections. Community gardens are usually located in residential complexes, schools, or public institutions.

Green corridors are stretches of greenery that connect scattered green spaces, allowing animals to move safely between them. In cities, where natural habitats are often isolated, ecological corridors enable migration and genetic exchange among animals, which is essential for maintaining healthy populations.

In cities, ecological corridors can take various forms – from tree-lined avenues to green strips along rivers, or specially designed crossings over roads and railways. These solutions reduce the risk of animal-vehicle collisions and allow migration between habitats that would otherwise be cut off by transport infrastructure.

Renaturalisation is the process of restoring degraded urban areas to a state closer to their natural condition. This involves introducing native plants, improving soil quality, and creating habitats that support biodiversity. The aim is to restore ecosystems in places previously damaged by human activity, such as post-industrial sites, polluted soils, regulated rivers, 
or abandoned urban spaces.

Renaturalisation offers many ecological benefits. It aids in rainwater retention, improves air and soil quality, and supports the return of plant and animal species that once inhabited the area. In cities, renaturalisation can transform unused spaces into attractive green areas, which can be used as parks, meadows, or recreational spaces.

Successful examples of renaturalisation include converting old railway tracks into urban parks or creating flower meadows on abandoned factory grounds. Such initiatives provide residents with new green spaces and make cities more environmentally friendly. Another example is restoring river meanders that were previously straightened. 
Even artificial river bends can quickly create a river valley habitat similar to natural ones, supporting both flora and fauna.

To the right, a map from 2006, then a map and photo from 2022, show the renaturalised Biała River in Bialystok, Poland.

2. If you don't have the opportunity to set up your own garden and there is an accessible area in your neighbourhood, set up a community or sensory garden there with your neighbours.

Greening your own home
By introducing greenery into  your  home,  you  improve your health and well-being. Nothing tastes better than your own herbs, vegetables and fruit. By planting trees and bushes next to your house and less demanding plants  on  the  roof,  you  improve  the   insulation of  your  home  and  save  on  heating  in  winter, and cooling in summer..