Replace concrete pavement
Concrete has been the universal material that has been used for creating patios and driveways for a very long time now. Concrete is quite durable and makes for the best patios, but manufacturing concrete involves lots of energy. Also, when a layer of concrete is poured over the soil, it completely closes off any way for the rain water to seep into the soil beneath. The roads, roofs, patios, drive ways, runways, parking lots, sideways, walk ways and tennis courts are all made of concrete. The rain water that falls on these surfaces will rush through into diversions that finally lead to the sewers or sometimes to the oceans.
There are many new porous pavement materials that have been proved to give a solid base for your cars while letting rain water seep through too. The increase in the number of concrete driveways will gradually demolish the levels of underground water which is the source of drinking water in many region. Also, deep rooted trees and shrubs will be hugely affected by this lack of underground water. The storm sewers also are diverted into lakes and pools; the runoff water from the concrete carries all its pollutants, toxins and dirt directly into these water bodies to ruin them.
This problem must be given a serious thought. There are many permeable concrete pavers now available; some of these can also let grass grow between them. There are some cut stone pavers too, that will let water drain into the soil beneath when spaced correctly. Open cell concrete blocks are a great idea too. Previous concrete, composed of cement and aggregate, is a best alternative.
