Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Trees, longevity and quality of life




Hello Everyone,

Is it possible that living surrounded by trees could make you feel younger, healthier and richer?

Trees in urban are not just visually attractive.  According to studies in Ontario, Canada and Adelaide, Australia having 10 more trees per urban block makes people feel seven years younger or $10000 richer.  People living with more trees in their neighbourhood also report fewer health problems especially obesity and hypertension.

There is also an economic benefit in the  shade provided by trees.  This can drop temperatures by up to 8°C. The use of air conditioners can be cut by 12-15% with trees and this also reduces carbon emissions from coal generated electricity. 

Trees also help to remove atmospheric pollutants.  In New York in 1994, the city's vegetation provided US$10 million of benefit in pollution removal.

Trees have a calming effect.  People feel peaceful in a grove of trees- they reduce stress

The key point is that the cost of planting and maintaining trees is small compared with the long term health, economic and social benefits.

Roz Townsend  www.roztownsend.com

To read more of these ideas see Roz's latest books Future Words and Love Well available on Amazon.

Source:            'Going to seed could make people $10k richer'

                        The Sydney Morning Herald  10/07/2015
                       
                        International Society of Arboriculture 2004

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