Green Spaces Beneficial for Kids Health
March 12, 2009 by Jennifer Chait
Filed under Green Living
We all know that green spaces benefit the planet, but now new research shows that green spaces are also beneficial for kids health.
Canadian researchers recently found that girls who live near green spaces are twice as likely to walk to school as girls who don’t live near green spaces and living near a green space increases the likelihood that a young boy will walk for leisure by as much as 60%.
This study was interesting because most research like this focuses on simply having green spaces in the area. This study however, noted that the closer in proximity to green spaces a child lives, the more they exercise and the healthier they are.
Obviously this is an important study, “Because active transportation is a promising public health strategy for increasing overall physical activity, and for helping to curb the obesity epidemic.” More so this is a big ol’ deal because it just goes to show how keeping it green can offer more than simply planet benefits.
Ideas for getting your kids out into the great green spaces…
Live near some green – which of course is not possible for every single family. However, you can also locate the nearest park, community garden, or hiking trail and frequent that place with your family.
Ditch the gym membership – you’ve got a whole world that you and the kids can walk in, run in, jump in, and more for FREE.
Make your neighborhood greener – oppose construction that covers major green spaces, plant more trees, and make sure that these green spaces stay safe and clean so kids want to be there.
Go play yourself – kids learn by example. If you’re heading outside for a walk or a game of Frisbee, chances are that your kids will come along. If all you do is sit and watch TV, guess what… Kids don’t just become green nature lovers by sitting inside, they have to get out into the fresh air. You honestly cannot expect this next generation to give a hoot about the planet if they aren’t raised to appreciate it.
[image via stock.xchng]
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