WATCH: Mexico is Transforming Concrete into Vertical Gardens

Progress and pollution often go hand-in-hand, which is a concept that perfectly falls under the famous phrase that goes like "you win some, you lose some." Progress can be equated to skyscrapers, highways, cars, and so on. There's nothing wrong about progress and moving forward, however we tend to forget other things that matter such as taking care of our environment.

Look at the Makati Business District, Bonifacio Global City, Ortigas Center, and even EDSA--these are just some places in Metro Manila where skyscrapers outnumber the trees. Yes, these cities show economic progress, but it seems that it has compromised the state of our environment and our health. Mexico City is also experiencing a similar issue. In fact, it is the 12th most densely populated city in the world with a population of 22 million people. Mexico City is also a place with the worst air quality in Latin America and it's one of the top 15 in the world. To address this issue, the citizens of the city took matters in their own hands and kick started the Via Verde project, which transforms concrete into vertical gardens.

The Via Verde project aims to transform more than "1,000 concrete columns into a more than 60,000 square meters of vertical gardens that support Mexico City's Beltway." The Mexico City Beltway is one of Mexico's iconic expressways.

The concept behind the Via Verde project is simple, and that's to make Mexico City a green city by reducing air pollution. The benefits of this project is it will give better oxygen production, it will reduce carbon dioxide, and it will reduce heat. Watch the video posted below to know more about the Via Verde project.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl_ozQF_hb0

The Philippines had an environmental project similar to Via Verde. Remember the plants that were on the walls along EDSA? However, I can't see any plants on the walls along EDSA right now. Before, if I'm not mistaken, these plant walls can be seen somewhere in Shaw and before you reach Kamuning. In addition, the stretch of Ayala Avenue used to have plants surrounding the lamp posts. With that in mind, do you think that it's about time for us to do an all-out campaign that's similar to Mexico's Via Verde project? Imagine driving along EDSA where you see vertical gardens instead of concrete. Wouldn't that be an Instagram-worthy photo?