There is growing evidence pointing to the benefits of exposure to green spaces to physical and mental health. A recent global study presenting perspectives from Australia, China, India and the UK indicated how biodiverse urban green spaces help boost the immune system.
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Creating Healthier, Greener Spaces for Better Physical and Mental Health
There is growing evidence pointing to the benefits of exposure to green spaces to physical
and mental health. A recent global study presenting perspectives from Australia, China,
India and the UK indicated how biodiverse urban green spaces help boost the immune
system.
Other research on green spaces in the UK and US revealed that being close to nature is
associated with lower levels of stress as well as reduced symptoms of depression and
anxiety.
Similarly, an NZ study revealed how the positive effects of nature are amplified when
combined with physical exercise.
As such, governments are finding ways to incorporate more green spaces in urban areas,
especially in park-poor neighbourhoods.
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Urban Greening Movements
One of the biggest efforts to give more Australians access to greener areas is the 202020
Vision. It aims to make Australia’s urban spaces 20% greener by 2020.
In Melbourne, the Greening the West program is restoring urban wastelands to create
wetlands, parks and other types of recreational land.
In Sydney, the city government wants to make the NSW capital as green as possible by
2030. The city is planting more trees and adding more green walls and roofs where
possible.
Brisbane is looking to devote 40% of its mainland habitat areas to native plants and
wildlife by 2031.
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What Property Owners Can Do
There are small ways homeowners, institutions and commercial space owners can make
their gardens and outdoor spaces convenient venues for interaction with nature.
Victoria’s Department of Health and Human Services has several recommendations on
designing gardens and outdoor spaces for elderly care that can be applied to homes and
commercial spaces as well. These include: placing outdoor furniture in suitable places
such as areas beside or under trees, near garden beds and along paths for quiet times or
socialisation; placing potted plants near sitting areas and entrances; and encouraging
people to garden, sweep or simply stroll about in outdoor areas.
Communities can also work together to identify areas that can be used as recreational
green spaces.
