Get some Green on your Roof!

Want to get more out of your space? Rooftopia, Chicago's full service Rooftop Gardening and Landscaping company, wants to show you how to do that and more with your rooftop.

Owners and operators Jenn Lassa and  Marcin Matlakowski started Rooftopia in 2009. They are both passionate about the environment, love working outdoors and are motivated by the green revolution. Jenn says, "It was a natural progression that we take our skills and energy to the next level to achieve the most we can with our own business and inspire others to do the same."

Jenn is a Horticulturalist and Designer and Marcin is a Construction Expert and Designer. They work together year round to create the perfect garden design for your space, no matter how big or small.

Rooftop gardens have their own unique challenges, but many rewards. Initially the structural soundness of the roof and building has to be assessed. Jenn and Marcin will work with you from assessment, design, installation and maintenance. They won't leave you hanging!

What can you do with a rooftop space?

• planter boxes - vegetable or native plant gardens
• water features - collect water and reduce run-off
• shade structures - help reduce "urban heat islands"
• vertical green walls - provide beauty
• patios, balconies, terrace - create additional recreational space

By creating a roof top garden you open up additional space to enjoy the outdoors, increase your buildings energy efficiency, reduce CO2, create habitat for beneficial insects and birds and prolong the life of your roof by 30 - 50 years.

Jenn frequently speaks on container gardens, raised beds and composting with worms. She will be teaching a 2 hour workshop on container/rooftop gardens at the Infinity Foundation on June 21st. "Our goal is to make under-utilized rooftops a place of inspiration for everyone," says Jenn.

For more information on turning your unused rooftop space into a an inspiration you can contact Rooftopia at 773-398-9486 or email info@rooftopia.com. You can learn more about Rooftopia at www.rooftopia.com.

 

 

Alexandra Gnoske is an Environmental Expert. She is the Author/Illustrator of "Loui Saves the Earth" and Founder of RECYCLE ME.

FIRST PUBLISHED IN MINDFUL METROPOLIS MINDFUL BUSINESS MATTERS BLOG 5/24/2011.

Drew's Eatery: Eco Knowledge Month

Can't wait for Spring? Get yourself ready for a happier, healthier Spring at Drew's Eatery, your source for local, organic, sustainable and naturally delicious food. Drew's is hosting Eco Knowledge Month to help you learn more about what to eat, what you wear, and how to live a healthier life!

March 12th is Vegan Night from 7PM - 9PM which includes Drewlicious food at a discount, free music, and Chicago Soy Dairy will be offering samples! Vegans and Meat lovers have plenty of choices and can be satisfied in one place.

March 15th is Lunch and Learn with Pro-Holistic Institute. Have a free lunch and learn from Dr. Rae Bouvin about how stress affects the body and what you can do to feel better and enjoy life more. Please rsvp, space is limited 773 279 9344.

March 19th is Know What you Wear with Recycle Me from 7pm - 9pm. Recycle Me will be sharing information about the quality of your clothing and answering questions. Did you know only 1% of cotton is grown organically? The rest is heavily sprayed! Clothing will be available at a discount and Drew's food and special drinks will be available.

ALL MONTH Live Green Membership Drive. Stop in and learn more about Live Green Chicago and the benefits you can receive by becoming a member.