More greenery in the city center

It's getting hotter and hotter in Germany. In the future, there will be more and more days when the temperature rises above 30 degrees.

It is particularly hot in cities. This is because there are many streets and buildings. They store the heat. That's why it doesn't get any cooler at night in cities.

Trees, shrubs and flowers look beautiful, provide shade and keep the city cool, which is why the city of Offenbach wants to plant more plants in the city center. And to show people how important greenery is for people and animals.

The city has planned or already done four things.

A "Green Room" has been set up on the market square for three months. The "Green Room" has benches to sit on and walls and a roof with flowering plants. The "Green Room" offers shade and cooling and is a place where people can meet and talk.

Pots of flowers and shrubs have been placed in the pedestrian zone and by the town hall. These plants are good for bees and other insects. The bushes later produce fruit that can be eaten. There is information about the plants and a little guessing game.

In the city center there are seating islands with grass and plants. You can sit or lie there and relax, just like on a meadow.

The politicians in the city have decided to buy trees in large flower pots. A total of 8 trees are to be planted in the city courtyard behind the town hall. There are garages and cellars under the courtyard. The area is often used for parties and events. Therefore, trees cannot be planted in the ground there. The large pots can be moved and placed in other locations.

Paul-Gerhard Weiß is a politician in Offenbach. He says: "We want to bring more greenery into the city center with these campaigns. It should become more beautiful and people should feel more comfortable. We also want to inform people about the environment."