Use your yard to recharge
More than three quarters of Americans who have a yard (76 percent) report the family yard space is one of the most important parts of their home, according to a new poll commissioned by the TurfMutt Foundation and conducted online by The Harris Poll.
The yard has also become a place to de-stress, with more than two thirds of Americans who have a yard (69 percent) saying doing yard work, such as mowing, trimming or planting, is one of the ways they like to de-stress these days. This is especially true among parents of kids under 18 as they are more likely than their counterparts without kids under 18 to cite this (76 percent vs. 65 percent).
Yards play a vital role in the health of our environment. But did you know that when you take care of your lawn, it takes care of you as well? All landscapes, including lawns, gardens and public parks, provide a host of health benefits.
Better health: People who live within a half mile of green space were found to have a lower incidence of 15 diseases – including heart disease, diabetes, asthma, migraines, depression and anxiety.
Healthier kids: Children in green urban spaces are likely to perform better academically. And children gain attention and working memory benefits when they are exposed to greenery.
Breathe easier: A turf area 50’ x 50’ produces enough oxygen to meet the daily needs of a family of four.
Greater happiness: Greening of vacant urban areas reduced feelings of depression by 41.5 percent.
Stress relief: Walking or running in green spaces led to decreased anger, fatigue and feelings of depression.
Longer life: Physicians are now prescribing time outdoors for some patients, according to recent reports. Living in a greener neighborhood could help you live longer.
For more information about the vital role our living landscapes play in the health in our environment, our communities and our families, visit www.turfmutt.com.