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Land recycling entails reusing vacant, abandoned, or underutilized properties for development. Some candidates for recycling include neglected sites that sit idle threatening food and water supply, the ecosystem, and recreation. Land recycling seeks to put these areas to good use by revitalizing them and turning them into safe, livable spaces.

Decontaminates Brownfields

Old factories, gas stations, power plants, etc., often leave an ecological footprint that contaminates the land. “Brownfields” refers to such areas. Land recycling revives such sites by inviting investments, leading to job creation. For example, transforming an abandoned factory site into a grocery store is good for the environment and the community. The resultant effect is increased local tax collections and reduced poverty levels. The addition of such developments in a disadvantaged community will significantly boost the life of the locals.

Creation of Green Spaces

Reusing abandoned parking areas, old roads, or previously developed land and turning them into parks or green spaces positively impacts the environment. Studies have established that living close to nature dramatically enhances people’s public health. Transforming old and abandoned sites into green spaces improves the cities’ and resident’s environmental health.

Curbs Climate Change

Land recycling keeps greenhouse gas emissions in check by encouraging infrastructural growth that relies less on vehicles. By redeveloping an old site into offices, a residential area, etc, commuter distances are reduced since people do not have to travel far and wide to access social amenities. Transportation is among the most significant emitters of greenhouse gases. Land recycling goes a long way in combating climate change by bringing essential amenities close to the people, reducing unnecessary travel. It should be integrated into smart urban planning to encourage energy-saving mechanisms to counter greenhouse emissions.

It’s a Better Alternative to Urban Sprawl

Urban sprawl refers to a setting where residential housing, jobs, and essential amenities are scattered, and the residents have to rely on vehicles to access them. Increased use of cars leads to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. This adversely affects the life quality of the city residents. Land recycling is a clever way of dealing with urban sprawl. It brings to life previously abandoned infrastructure and streamlines service delivery within the urban area, minimizing vehicle dependence. Incorporating land recycling in urban development is a practical approach to addressing rapid population growth.