3 articles

Social Benefits of Nature
I think this article has a fascinating argument for the benefits that nature has on people’s mental health. I do believe that workers exposed to a view of the outdoors would be more inclined to work. I would like to know more about the studies done, to be sure that they are accurate because the article does not explain them well. Nature can definitely impact a person’s attitude as well as the amount of stress one feels. I also thought it was interesting that the presence of trees and grass has been studied as a factor influencing family interactions. This is a new idea, but if nature can have an impact on stress and attitude, these things would also impact family interactions.

The research done at U of I on adults and children, with focus on crime, safety, violence, community, attention, self-control, learning, and a variety of other topics sounds very promising in promoting nature and benefiting people living in the city. I am especially interested to learn about this project because I lived in Champaign, IL for three years and considered going to college there. It is not surprising that playing outdoors can lessen the symptoms of ADHD. Not only is it physically healthy for the children, but it allows them to experience the world first-hand instead of from a TV screen. I thought it was interesting to point out the greener affected girls’ self-discipline and confidence, but was not significant to boys’ confidence. When I read about crime and green spaces, I thought that it must also be a factor of income and location. Reading further, the web site made some good arguments that greenery brings neighborhoods and communities outdoors more often, so crime is discouraged. This is also linked to a strong feeling of community. These are very good arguments to support the growth of trees, flowers, and other plants in cities, but we must also address the issue of cost. Will the city really invest in landscaping in poor neighborhoods that would put the plants at risk to vandalism?

Youth Benefits
This sounds like a promising study about the effects of outdoor community service in nature on youths. I think that when children and even adults volunteer in the environment, they learn to appreciate the world more. They develop their ecological identity, which the article says is the degree to which nature and the environment are integrated into one’s sense of self. People will learn to be more accepting and more giving, instead of acting selfish and focused on their own needs. Not only will they respect nature, but I think they will care for other people as well. Instead of choosing a career that makes money, they could be more inspired to do something beneficial for the world. I think it is great the study is looking into the effects of environmental volunteer work on children as individuals as well as America as a nation. A program promoting youth involvement outdoors would benefit the nation and could be a step towards changing our culture from a mostly sedentary way of life to an active lifestyle.