Greening the human environment: the untold benefits
2011
Lohr, V.I.
A myriad of benefits of plants that have been documented by research are presented in this paper, along with a discussion of possible mechanisms. Plants, which are essential for our survival, provide food, fiber, building material, fuel, and pharmaceuticals. Plants also produce intangible benefits for people, such as improving our health. These benefits occur with scenes of nature, individual plants indoors, gardens outdoors, parks, and forests. The understanding of the role of trees, in particular, in promoting both human and ecological health is increasing. Plants make our surroundings more pleasant, and they help us feel calmer. They contribute to cleaner, healthier air, thus improving our well-being and comfort. Plants have been associated with reduced stress, increased pain tolerance, and improved mental functioning in people. Human responses to plants appear to be both learned and innate. Some studies suggest genetic components to the responses. Some primates are known to detect subtle differences in leaf color, selecting to eat those leaves with the highest nutritive value; people also respond more positively to plants of some colors than to others. Most people in the world now live in urban areas. These areas are typically devoid of plants, resulting in concerns over children being raised in such unnatural areas. These impacts will also be examined.
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