Could London, New York and other cities be self-sufficient in fruit and vegetables? Yes, writes Rachel Dring, by converting wasted roof space into gardens and greenhouses. Benefits include reducing waste; raising energy efficiency, sustainability and food security; and healthier, more connected citizens.
When Tiana Begum and her two teenagers moved into their new home in a 1970's council flat in West London, the landlord didn't just hand over the keys.
He also gave them the pamphlet for their local veg-box scheme, which delivers fresh produce grown in the rooftop greenhouse above their heads.
"That's not food miles", Tiana exclaimed, "that's food metres!"
They get a discount when they volunteer a few hours a week with growing and distributing the food. Tiana also soon discovered their energy bills are 40% cheaper due to the insulating effect of the greenhouse.