In the past two years, many of us have had our global lifestyles shrink into a few kilometres’ radius.
The pandemic has forced us to shelter in place, which has often created a deep desire to be out and about in nature.
Starved of social interaction, we even engaged in connections with neighbours we barely knew before.
Our neighbourhoods and communities suddenly became the epicentre of our worlds.
Sound familiar?
Now, with supply chain issues and item shortages looming on the horizon, there may come a time in the not too distant future where we may need to really rely on these local communities.
To prepare, we need to create fair and sustainable living spaces for all.
Are all communities currently well and thriving? How can we ensure that everyone can flourish in the future?
Regardless of where you live!
It turns out that there is a very natural solution to creating better communities: creating and spending time in green spaces.
Did you know that having access to green space in your community is a highly effective way to increase your wellbeing?
So, what are some of the benefits of green space?
Increased Energy
Better Health
Less Stress
Increased positivity
However, not all people have equal access to green spaces, with research showing people in poorer areas often having less access.
How can you use and create green spaces for you and your community?
Find a park
Research tells us that the more parks around us, the better our mental health. You will have better mental and physical health if you are near greener areas.
Find the nearest park…and use it!
Being active in green space has many health benefits, however, studies show that you need to use it to gain the wellbeing benefits!
Look at trees
Simply looking at trees and green space can give us a boost! Research shows that being in green spaces even increases our own perceptions of our wellbeing. If there is a lack of trees where you live…
Plant a tree
Studies show that green space within 3kms is really important for your wellbeing.
If you don’t have that, look at planting your own tree or two.
Many councils in Australia give away free native trees to encourage tree planting in local communities.
Green space our schools
Research has shown that green schoolyards have many benefits for our children.
It increases their imaginative play; they are more active and they play better.
If you think your local school is lacking in green spaces, you can send an email to the school or to your local member of parliament to let them know of your support for greening the space.
A final note
It may feel like you can’t make a difference to the communities around us. It may sometimes feel overwhelming and not your responsibility.
You have an important part to play!
By spending more time in green spaces, and promoting green spaces in our schools and communities, you can contribute to your own wellbeing and the wellbeing of the wider community.
Thank you for using green space for your wellbeing.
References
Bates, C. R., Bohnert, A. M., & Gerstein, D. E. (2018). Green Schoolyards in Low-Income Urban Neighborhoods: Natural Spaces for Positive Youth Development Outcomes. Front Psychol, 9, 805-805. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00805
Bell, S. L., Phoenix, C., Lovell, R., & Wheeler, B. W. (2014). Green space, health and wellbeing: making space for individual agency. Health & Place, 30, 287–292. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2014.10.005
Bill Cunningham. (2015, December 8). Urban green space and well-being [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMUZeqM-Olg
Brisbane City Council. (2022, April 27). Free native plants program. Retrieved May 20, 2022, from https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/clean-and-green/green-home-and-community/sustainable-gardening/free-native-plants-program
Carrus, G., Scopelliti, M., Lafortezza, R., Colangelo, G., Ferrini, F., Salbitano, F., Agrimi, M., Portoghesi, L., Semenzato, P., & Sanesi, G. (2015). Go greener, feel better? The positive effects of biodiversity on the well-being of individuals visiting urban and peri-urban green areas. Landscape and urban planning, 134, 221-228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2014.10.022
Lahart, I., Darcy, P., Gidlow, C., & Calogiuri, G. (2019). The Effects of Green Exercise on Physical and Mental Wellbeing: A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 16(8), 1352. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16081352
Shanahan, D. F., Astell-Burt, T., Barber, E. A., Brymer, E., Cox, D. T. C., Dean, J., Depledge, M., Fuller, R. A., Hartig, T., Irvine, K. N., Jones, A., Kikillus, H., Lovell, R., Mitchell, R., Niemelä, J., Nieuwenhuijsen, M., Pretty, J., Townsend, M., van Heezik, Y., . . . Gaston, K. J. (2019). Nature-Based Interventions for Improving Health and Wellbeing: The Purpose, the People and the Outcomes. Sports (Basel), 7(6), 141. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports7060141
Suttie, J. (2019, April 26). Why trees can make you happier. Greater Good. Retrieved May 20, 2022, from https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_trees_can_make_you_happier
TEDx Talks. (2017, May 8). How urban green spaces build community | Jessica Pendergrass | TEDxUofL [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XnA4B0IlCU
van den Berg, A. E., Maas, J., Verheij, R. A., & Groenewegen, P. P. (2010). Green space as a buffer between stressful life events and health. Social Science & Medicine, 70(8), 1203–1210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2010.01.002
Wood, L., Hooper, P., Foster, S., & Bull, F. (2017). Public green spaces and positive mental health – investigating the relationship between access, quantity and types of parks and mental wellbeing. Health Place, 48, 63-71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2017.09.002
Worthy, K. (2014, May 19). Sustainability needs community. Psychology Today. Retrieved May 20, 2022, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/the-green-mind/201405/sustainability-needs-community