Seann Smith
Voiceover
Presenter(s)
Seann Smith
Supplementary Materials
YouTube Link:
script:
1. Well, hello! This is Urban Greenery! and I’m Seann
2. for background.
3. I kicked off my career in climate change by dropping out of High School
4. studied environmental issues
5. Got a bachelors in Environmental Design
6. my Masters at UCD
7. worked in the private, public,
8. and academic sectors,
9. then started consulting
10. started this project
11. finished a second Master's
12. And now working on a third
13. So, what is Urban Greenery? It’s a comprehensive approach to collaborating on climate change solutions that engages everyone in building a culture that encourages continued investment.
14. because addressing climate change requires people to have a place to put down roots! That means I am here primarily to inspire others to get involved
15. After attending the national Biochar conference I discovered the potential it has for carbon capture and took that to UCD’s Student Government Association.
16. It was a hot mess, but I learned a lot.
17. I then applied the concept to multiple urban design and landscape architecture classes
18. Mades more mistakes
19. But developed soil technology, design, and material science
20. I think I really may have something!!!
21. For instance, recycled paper can become cladding, can be made durable, water resistant, and fire resistant! Yahoo, let it Burn!
Now I have a functional climate solution
22. that fits into everyone’s widow sill and can inspire creativity in others. Future work will add recycled paper to the soil, growing purple potatoes that have edible leaves to provide veggies to food deserts
23. The project is growing and getting exciting!
24. So, that is why I hope this inspires and encourages others to get involved
25. Because you can do something, .. yes you.,, step up!
Abstract or Description
Urban Greenery is about empowering people by creating open-source tools to use Biochar.
With a typical blender, water, and recycled paper, recycled paper pulp becomes the base cladding over recycled containers, such as discarded soda cans and milk containers. It acts as a canvas for artistic expression, perhaps mixed with Biochar, paints, and dyes. That cladding is then treated with a sugar solution to improve fire and water resistance.
A can opener can open the top of a soda can and leave no dangerous edges. Sliced down the side and reformed into a cone with a discarded twist-tie creates a container big enough for a spider plant and an example of how one can reconsider the simple conic shape of a soda can. For a larger container, milk containers are large enough for a purple potato plant that produces a lot of nutritious leaves and is one of the more sustainable, healthy, and easily produced sources of food. The container is then filled with a soil mix (e.g., biochar, clay, and sand, in percentages that vary depending on the plant type).
Combining the carbon-capture, water-retention, and fertilization aspects of biochar, the work is to experiment with different designs of pots, soil mixes, and species of plants that work for people. Urban Greenery is a multifaceted approach to sustainability that engages the public at every level, at an individual level. Biochar, recycled materials, and artistic media serve as plant containers that provide an artistic outlet for people to produce sustainable solutions to equity, health, and wellness. From purple sweet potatoes combating food deserts to spider plants improving visual and air quality, Urban Greenery provides a way for people can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.
Mentor
Ken Shroeppel