Plastic bags are undeniably harmful to our environment. Damages to wildlife ecosystems and the clogging of drainage systems have prompted remediate action and as of June 20th 2018, single-use plastic bags will no longer be available at supermarkets, service stations and liquor stores. Further action, such as the potential banning of plastic straws and other single-use plastic products are also being taken to protect our environment.
We can be proud as Australians that we’re taking the right step towards a sustainable future. Unfortunately, one problem is being ignored by our government, urban runoff. When the level of rainfall is too high and cannot be absorbed by the land, this results in water runoff. Due to the permeable nature of the soil, apt levels of runoff will eventually infiltrate the soil and be stored as groundwater. When heavy rainfall occurs in an urban area rainfall isn’t absorbed due to the impermeable nature of concrete and pavements. This means a series of drains and waterways are required to clear the runoff. When runoff is travelling through the urban surface, it can collect a number of pollutants, pesticides and contaminants. These pollutants can be hazardous to plants, animals and people.
One solution to urban runoff is permeable pavers. An example of a commonly used permeable paver is the Premier Hydropavers. The materials are made of recycled ceramic tiles that have tiny microholes. The pavers absorb the water runoff through their pores which then goes into the ground and filter out the pollutants, stopping them from going into our drains and waterways. Premier Hydropavers are also nonslip and prevent flooding and puddles from accumulating in all paved areas.
Permeable Pavers like Premier Hydropavers are becoming more commonly used around the world in places like China, Germany, the UK and the USA to combat urban runoff and flooding. Australia more common than not is often behind the curve when it comes to innovation and protecting the environment. We can’t solely rely on our government to make the necessary changes needed for a sustainable future. We must take it upon ourselves as individuals to make an impact. By installing permeable pavers in your driveways and walkways you contribute greatly to turning your community into a sustainable environment.
