Public health encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting physical and mental health through organized community efforts, and there is a link between trees and public health. The environment plays a crucial role in public health, influencing various determinants of health and the incidence of disease. Effective environmental management can significantly reduce harmful air pollutants, thereby improving air quality and overall public health. Numerous studies have shown that increased tree cover correlates with reductions in asthma hospitalizations when ambient pollutant concentrations are higher. Furthermore, children exposed to more green spaces or trees from birth to age ten exhibit a 55% reduced risk of developing psychiatric disorders and mental illnesses later in life. This substantial decrease underscores the importance of green time for children's long-term mental health. In addition to these benefits, trees provide a canopy that reduces exposure to harmful UV radiation, lowering air and surface temperatures and thereby decreasing the risk of heat strokes. Moreover, trees sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helps mitigate the effects of global warming. This process of carbon sequestration is vital in our efforts to combat climate change and protect our planet for future generations.
Plant With Purpose partners with communities in nine different countries to plant trees, which aids in economic, environmental, and communal development. As trees are planted, farmers collaborate to learn new farming techniques. This fosters community and brings about environmental and economic improvements. This partnership not only enhances the environment but also strengthens community bonds and promotes sustainable agricultural practices. Plant with Purpose helps improve the quality of life for the communities through tree planting, which promotes physical and mental health, prevents disease, prolongs life.
As a Community
Trees benefit communities by improving community safety social cohesion and large trees have been associated with lower crime rates. Trees also help decrease depression rates and increase community liveliness. People are more likely to engage in social interactions and physical activities in the presence of a forested environment. Communities with more trees exhibit higher levels of friendliness, connection, and overall vitality, creating a more vibrant and cohesive society.
Plant With Purpose partners with churches and residents in watersheds to increase community involvement beyond merely planting trees. The community participates in savings and loan activities through Purpose Groups, which enables financial stability and growth within the community. By collaborating with pastors, they implement spiritual renewal curricula. This supports both spiritual and communal growth. Through Farmer Field Schools, they bring together farmers from around the watershed to learn and apply regenerative practices to their land. These efforts lead to greater joy, liveliness, and gratitude among residents, as they see tangible improvements in their community. The environment flourishes with enhanced crop growth, contributing to greater food security. This establishes another link between trees and public health.
As an Ecosystem
Trees create self-sustaining ecosystems that benefit both people and the environment. At Plant With Purpose, the focus is on planting native trees in watersheds to regulate, grow, and protect the land. When about 60% of residents within a watershed partner with Plant With Purpose, 100% of the watershed community experiences a reduction in poverty. This impressive change highlights the critical role of ecosystems in enhancing the livelihoods of rural communities.
In a watershed, the activities and interventions that occur upstream have significant effects downstream. Trees help offset the effects of intense rain and climate change by absorbing and filtering rainwater through their leaves, roots, and other structures. This natural filtration system reduces the risk of flooding and ensures cleaner water for downstream communities. Additionally, trees control erosion and stabilize mountain landscapes, preventing landslides and soil degradation. Some species can also provide a source of food, supporting local nutrition and food security.
Plant With Purpose works in watersheds by planting trees and assisting with agricultural practices to further the growth and biodiversity in these areas. By fostering diverse and healthy ecosystems, they ensure long-term environmental sustainability and resilience against climate change. These sustainability efforts help bring both trees and public health, allowing communities to improve their lifestyles, physical and mental health, through the preserving of their environment.
Health Benefits
Trees offer numerous health benefits that extend beyond their environmental contributions. They activate brain areas related to involuntary attention, helping people relax and cope better with stress. Studies have shown that people of all ages experience a reduction in stress when surrounded by trees. This stress reduction is crucial for overall mental health and well-being.
People living in areas with more green spaces are more likely to engage in outdoor activities, promoting a healthier lifestyle. Moreover, greater tree density is associated with a decrease in premature death rates and fewer instances of underweight babies at birth. Trees help lower respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, improve circulation, and reduce high blood pressure.
Through Plant With Purpose, communities benefit from clean water, reduced poverty, and overall improved health. The organization not only supports ecosystems but also invests in the people, farmers, communities, and churches in the areas they serve. This holistic approach ensures that the benefits of tree planting extend beyond environmental improvements to include significant health and social gains.
Matching the Ecosystem
With approximately 70,000 tree species available, it is crucial to plant the right trees in the right areas to optimize the ecosystem. Trees must be adaptable to the local climate to ensure proper soil conditions, growth, and sustainability. The right tree species will thrive in the local environment, requiring less maintenance and providing maximum benefits.
Proper placement of trees is essential for coexistence with current communities and ecosystems. When communities participate in tree planting and maintenance, they develop a sense of pride and ownership, leading to long-term preservation. They are able to select the tree species that they are planting, which enhances their connection to their environment. This community involvement is vital for the success and sustainability of tree planting initiatives. It fosters a sense of responsibility and care for the environment. Residents who take part in these activities are more likely to protect and maintain the trees, ensuring their survival and growth. This sense of ownership and care helps preserve the forest for future generations.
By planting trees native to the country, Plant With Purpose is able to ensure a biodiverse ecosystem while still protecting the current environment and communities. This approach enhances the resilience of ecosystems to environmental challenges and supports the overall health of the planet.
As Margarita, a Plant With Purpose partner in Mexico describes, “My way of thinking has also changed for the better because we see how each person has taken care of their land and how they are reforesting. I’ve planted pines on the edge of my land and on the edge of the cemetery. All that reforestation serves as a natural barrier and makes it look beautiful. We know that we have the responsibility to take care of the trees, especially since they provide shade and make the climate cooler.”
In conclusion, planting the right trees in the right areas offers extensive benefits, including improved public health, strengthened communities, and resilient ecosystems. With all of these efforts, it is vital for the environment to be improved upon, to show greater benefits for public health. Plant With Purpose's efforts demonstrate the profound impact that strategic tree planting can have on both people and the environment, fostering sustainable development and well-being for generations to come.
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Julia is a senior at San Diego State University. She is a part of Tau Sigma National Honors Society, in addition to volunteering on the Broadcasting and Coffee Team at her church. She loves anything outdoors, including hiking, snowboarding, fishing, and she enjoys focusing her talents in graphic design to promote the health of the environment.
