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We are all familiar with the strength of groups of people who work togehter in a company or organization. We can do so much more in a "system" than as isolated individuals. The same principal holds true for the environment. Nature is a system of individuals that cooperate to create a system of activities and the whole is amazing -- a life support system for everyone involved -- plants, animals...and yes, humans!

The plants, animals, water, weathere, minerals and even seeming nusiences such as bacteria and viruses and molds -- all play their part in a balanced natural system. Here are the services a healthy environment provides in our robust life support system -- the planet:

Ecosytem services.

• Global life-support services (e.g. atmosphere and climate regulation, carbon storage)
• Landscape formation (e.g. river and coastal geomorphological processes)
• Flood and erosion control Waste decomposition and disposal
• Water quality and quantity (e.g. aquifer recharge)
• Pollination (e.g. crops and flowers)
• Pollution control (e.g. noise and wind reduction, physical pollution capture, land preparation)
• Biological control (e.g. pest reduction)
• Soil provision (e.g. soil formation processes and soil erosion prevention)
• Habitat provision (e.g. spawning grounds for commercial fish)

The benefits of nature rich environments

Health benefit arising from nature contact.

• Physical Stress reduction including reduction in heart rate and blood pressure.
• Reduction in muscle tension and skin conductance.
• Increased levels of physical activity leading to a reduction in heart disease risk factors (systolic blood pressure, plasma cholesterol, plasma triglycerides), and increased immunity function.
• Mental Improved self-awareness, self-esteem, self-concept, and positively effected mood state.
• Reduction of negative feelings such as anger, fear, anxiety and frustration.
• Improved ability to recover from stressful episodes.
• Effective alleviation of the symptoms of anxiety, depression and psychosomatic illness (including irritability, insomnia, tension, headaches and indigestion).
• Improved psychological health, especially emotional and cognitive aspects (including reduced symptoms of ADD).
• Restored capacity for concentration and attention
• Spiritual Inspire feelings of peace, oneness, connectedness and strength.
• Reflection on personal values.
• Reduced psychosis, substance abuse,
• Social Neighbourhood based nature activities promote sense of community, sense of place, and enhance social ties.
• Expanded social networks.
• Enhanced social inclusion and cohesion.
• Improved quality of life and neighbourhood satisfaction.

Green Exercise Programs

Courtesy of: http://www.projectevergreen.com/resources/Health%20&%20Nature.pdf

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