THE PROOF
free for all
only available to some
"No community should be saddled with more environmental burdens and less environmental benefits than any other."
Majora Carter, founder, Sustainable South Bronx
"It’s not just pollution. Communities of color don’t get a fair share of the good stuff – parks, green spaces, nature trails, good schools, farmers markets, good stores."
Robert Bullard, organizer, National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit
signs of nature deficit disorder
INCREASED MYOPIA
INSOMNIA
INFLAMMATION
SHORTENED FOCUS
These symptoms are more extreme in children whose neighborhoods lack safe naturespaces.
" All people want is a safe, open space to breathe."
Nature's good for us? Where's the proof?
I happen to be living proof that time spent out in nature is good for us. When my husband's health was turned around too after life made us both spend more time in nature and eat fresher foods, the benefits of nature became un-ignorable for us both.
We could take that knowledge and try to package it up for sale as the next best solution, ready to transform your life for a few low payments of some amount convincing you to ante up for self-help improvement, but that approach didn't resonate with us.
Life's too short. Who has time to re-live that cycle every new-years eve or swimsuit season? Not I! And how much money could we all save by being happy with nature's free solutions for health?
Down-to-earth, free nature-based life practices make us healthier. And there's enough research-backed shared work that backs up the fact that nature's healing should be free and available to all. Check out the actual proof (below).
It turns out the best things in life really are free. Go ahead. Dig in. You're worth it.
~Joy
the books
THE NATURE FIX
Why nature makes us happier, healthier, and more creative
By Florence Williams; Published by W. W. Norton & Co. in 2017; ISBN 978-168-16-8397-3
"This book explores the science of what poets and philosophers have known for eons: place matters." Ms. Williams' work sets up an explanation of why our brains and our bodies need nature.
THE HOME PLACE
Memoirs of a Colored Man's Love Affair with Nature
By J. Drew Lanham; Published by Milkweed Editions in 2016; ISBN 978-157-13-1350-8
If you ever wondered about the rationale behind a person-of-color's fears about going into nature, read this first-hand account of a bird researcher as he is forced to decide between survival and professional duty in rural America.
NATURE THERAPY
and Preventive Medicine
By Juyoung Lee, Qing Li, Liisa Tyrväinen, Yuko Tsunetsugu, Bum-Jin Park, Takahide Kagawa and Yoshifumi Miyazaki
Published by InTech in 2012; eISBN 978-953-51-0620-3
A quote from this book sums up the benefits of this research for us: "Although we are now living in a society characterized by urbanization and artificialization, our physiological functions are still adapted to to nature."
the news
"BAD THINGS HAPPEN IN THE WOODS."
Three African American hikers describe fears and stereotypes they have faced – and why they love hitting the trails.
Visitors to our 4-acre urban forest in Kansas City tell us similar accounts of their internal arguments for and against going into the woods. Remembrances of lynchings and unexplained disappearances less than a century ago in KC transform into hope for a path forward, only after safe reacquaintance with nature.
ONGOING RESEARCH BACKING NATURE UTILIZATION
green cities = good health
Trees, parks, gardens, and natural areas enhance quality of life in cities and towns. The experience of nature improves human health and well-being in many ways. Nearly 40 years of scientific studies tell us how.
The U.S. Forest Service weighs in on the effects of nature deprivation on low-income residents of urban areas. Many community features that would counteract nature deprivation are seen as amenities signaling affluence, due to their cost.
naturespace = humanity
Vibrant Cities Lab helps people connect with the "why" behind urban forests, and the "how" of planning and implementation.
our ongoing explorations
get involved, your way
There are lots of choices if you feel compelled to help with this cause. Thank you for your caring.
THREE POWERFUL WAYS TO HELP
"Thank you for being the difference between thought and thoughtful action."