Urban Gardening and Sustainable Cities

Reading Passage

As cities expand and populations increase, urban gardening has emerged as a sustainable solution to food security, environmental degradation, and community disconnection. Urban gardening involves growing food in city environments, utilizing rooftops, balconies, community plots, and even vertical walls. This practice reduces the environmental footprint by lowering the need for long-distance transportation of produce. Moreover, it fosters biodiversity and transforms unused or abandoned urban spaces into productive land. Residents involved in urban gardening report higher levels of physical activity, mental well-being, and a strengthened sense of community. From a broader perspective, urban gardening supports sustainable city development by promoting local economies and reducing waste through composting practices. It serves not only as a method of food production but also as a tool for education, resilience, and environmental stewardship in urban landscapes.

1. What is one key benefit of urban gardening mentioned in the passage?

2. How does urban gardening impact communities, according to the passage?

3. In addition to food production, what is another role of urban gardening mentioned?