Green spaces, from sprawling city parks to quaint neighborhood gardens, are much more than scenic retreats for a relaxing morning coffee or 3-mile run. They are vital to our environment, offering countless benefits that include the improvement of our air quality. As urban areas continue to grow, pollution levels rise, making the role of green spaces more critical than ever. Simply put, it’s time to take action to ensure we can keep reaping the rewards for generations to come.

At REACH GREEN, our mission is to protect and enhance these vital areas, ensuring healthier, more sustainable communities. But before we dive into some easy ways to get involved in protecting your local green spaces, here’s how they contribute to cleaner air and why it matters.

The Connection Between Green Spaces and Air Quality

Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to air pollution, caused by vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and other human-made sources. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution is responsible for approximately 7 million premature deaths annually, which puts green spaces at the center of playing a significant role in mitigating this pollution.

Trees and plants act as natural air filters. Through the process of photosynthesis, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Additionally, they trap particulate matter (PM), such as dust, dirt, and smoke, on their leaves and bark, reducing the number of harmful particles in the air. According to a study by the U.S. Forest Service, trees in urban areas remove approximately 711,000 metric tons of air pollution annually, providing an estimated $3.8 billion in health benefits.

In addition to filtering pollutants, green spaces help reduce the urban heat island effect, where cities become significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities. Cooler temperatures reduce the formation of ground-level ozone, a harmful air pollutant that can cause respiratory issues.

The Impact of Access to Green Space on Child Development

Green spaces are particularly crucial for early child development. Exposure to nature has been linked to numerous cognitive, emotional, and physical benefits for children, and research has shown that those who spend more time in green spaces have better attention spans, improved focus, and lower levels of stress.

In contrast, poor air quality has been associated with respiratory conditions such as asthma, which affects approximately 6 million children in the United States alone. By improving air quality, green spaces help reduce the incidence of respiratory illnesses, allowing children to breathe cleaner air and lead healthier lives later on in life.

Green spaces also provide people of all ages opportunities for physical activity and social interaction,which lead to a deep appreciation for the nature that surrounds them as they continue to pursue healthful pastimes such as running, cycling, or even rowing.

Here are a few more benefits our parks and gardens provide to our overall air quality:

• A single mature tree can absorb up to 48 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.
• Green spaces can reduce city temperatures by up to 5°F, helping mitigate the urban heat island effect.
• Children with regular access to green spaces have an approximately 20% lower risk of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Neighborhoods with ample green spaces report up to 15% lower rates of respiratory illnesses.

Curious About How to Get Involved?

Protecting and enhancing local green spaces is a collective effort, and every individual can make a difference. Here are some ways you can get involved starting today:

Join Local Green Initiatives: Many communities have organizations like ours dedicated to preserving green spaces. Volunteering for running events, tree-planting events, park cleanups, and other environmental activities can have a direct impact.

Advocate for Green Policies: Support policies that promote the creation and maintenance of green spaces. Attend local government meetings, sign petitions, and advocate for funding for parks and environmental projects.

Educate and Raise Awareness: Spread the word about the importance of green spaces. Educate your friends, family, and community members by sending articles like this to their inboxes, helping them understand more about how these areas improve overall well-being.

Adopt Sustainable Practices: Reduce your carbon footprint by using public transportation, recycling, and conserving energy. Sustainable living contributes to overall environmental health.

Take the Next Step with REACH GREEN

With a central compass directing us to combat climate change and promote healthier communities, our dedicated REACH GREEN team is fully equipped to answer any questions you have about how to get involved. We offer fun athletic events, sponsorship opportunities, volunteer opportunities, and so much more, so you can take the first step in ensuring the same air you breathe today can be just as refreshing, hopefully even more so, for the ones that follow in your footsteps. Become a member to stay connected to upcoming events and receive numerous member benefits.

Remember that green spaces are not just aesthetic additions to our communities; they are essential for improving air quality, supporting child development, and enhancing overall well-being. Protecting our green spaces is protecting our future. Join us in making a difference today by staying up to date with our Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages, which are packed with more information on how to make an #impact.

Authored by Kelsi McKee