China's Planning to Combat Air Pollution With Giant Vertical Forests
China is notorious for extremely high levels of pollution in most of its major cities — but it has a plan to begin tackling the issue. One component involves the construction of the recently unveiled Nanjing Green Towers, two 'vertical forests' that will work to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions in the Pukou District of Nanjing. China has been dealing with a dangerous smog problem stemming from its coal plants, factories and traffic that have left many cities under a blanket of dirty air.
These verdant towers, cloaked in lush greenery, will soak up to 25 tons of CO2 annually while also producing nearly 60 kilograms of oxygen daily. Designed by Italian architect Stefano Boeri, one of the towers will house a Hyatt hotel that'll feature a rooftop swimming pool, while the other will be home to offices, a museum, a 'green' architecture school and a private rooftop club.
Together, the two towers will feature more than 1,000 trees and 2,500 plants which will work to filter smog-ridden air by soaking up urban air pollution. The buildings are expected to be completed in 2018 but Boeri's team is already looking towards the future with planned projects in Shijiazhuang, Liuzhou, Guizhou, Shanghai and Chongqing.
Vertical gardens are not unique to China — they've been popping up in many cities around the world including Milan, Italy; Lausanne, Switzerland; as well as one spotted by our Editorial Director in Madrid, Spain (below).
As a reminder, if you're planning to visit China (or any other country that requires a visa), TPG recommends using a third-party service like Allied Passport & Visa to simplify what can be a complex process. Mention The Points Guy on your order form to get a $5 discount just for TPG readers.
H/T: The Telegraph
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 2X miles | 2 miles per dollar on every purchase |
| 5X miles | 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel |
| 10X miles | 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel |
Pros
- The Capital One Venture X business card has a lucrative welcome offer.
- In addition, the card comes with many premium travel perks such as an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel.
- Business owners are also able to add employee cards for free.
Cons
- The card requires significant spending to earn the welcome offer.
- Another drawback is that the annual travel credit can only be used on bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.
- Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
- Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
- With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
- Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
- Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month
- Top rated mobile app