Nature’s own economic stimulus package…and a right to a walk in the woods

Editor’s note: A version of this commentary first appeared in The San Diego Union-Tribune on Feb. 24, 2009.

Is nature obsolete? This year, the publisher of the Oxford Junior Dictionary decided to replace dozens of nature-related words, such as “beaver” and “dandelion,” with “blog” and “MP3 player.” Children just aren’t going outside much anymore.

Reverse that trend, and we could see big dividends in our physical, emotional and even economic health — especially in tough economic times. For stressed-out families, spending more time in the natural world — a nature stimulus package — may be just what the doctor and the economist ordered. Here are a few of the benefits:

With gas prices on the rise, families are rediscovering both the joy and the cost-effectiveness of getaways in nearby nature, including regional, state or national parks. As Outside magazine puts it, “near is the new far.” Unless we’re talking about a new bass boat or a high-tech tent, nature toys are free or cheap, and they encourage self-directed creativity. In 2008, the National Toy Hall of Fame in Rochester, New York, inducted the stick, which it called not only possibly the oldest toy, but “possibly the best.”

Green exercise is free. In the United Kingdom, and now in the United States, families are eschewing commercial indoor gyms. Groups of families form “green gyms” and meet once or twice a week to hike, garden or take some other type of exercise in the natural world.

Research suggests that green exercise may be better at improving a number of health indicators — including blood pressure and mental acuity — than the same amount of energy expended in an indoor gym.

By planting trees and preserving open space, we can improve energy efficiency, reduce the carbon footprint and protect property values. Studies by the Trust for Public Land show that adjacent parks and nature trails are consistently associated with higher home resale values. One recent study shows that, even in inner cities, the greener the neighborhood, the lower the rate of obesity. Playgrounds with more trees generally have lower crime rates. Backyard or community gardens offer improved nutrition and, for the wider society, reduced long-distance shipping costs.

To shorten the recession, we’ll need to teach better and work smarter. Students learn better when schools promote place-based learning in the largest classroom of all: the natural world. In Scandinavian countries, where “all-weather” schools require students to spend time outside every day, kids get fewer colds and flu. And outdoor classrooms cost less than brick and mortar.

Nature also can help us build social capital. In hard times, we need cohesive neighborhoods and supportive kinship networks more than ever. The family that plays outside together stays together.

In the U.S., parents are forming family nature clubs; at almost no cost, these clubs are changing lives.

True, nature’s no panacea. Reducing our society’s nature-deficit disorder can’t pay the mortgage or immediately replace a lost job, but doing so could help reduce stress, and improve our health and our sanity.

So it’s time to reduce the nature deficit.

We’re seeing some progress. Last year’s most visible legislative success came in September, when the U.S. House of Representatives passed the No Child Left Inside Act, sponsored by the No Child Left Inside Coalition. If approved this year in Congress, the bill may help the states support environmental education.

More importantly, a growing national network of thousands of individuals, families and organizations is building a movement to leave no child inside. Families are partnering with other families. In North America, more than 70 regional and statewide campaigns to get kids outside have emerged.

To create these campaigns, educators, healthcare professionals, conservationists, kids, college students, government officials and businesspeople are joining forces — sometimes out of economic self-interest. They’re also acting from their heart. Future generations should have the right to a walk in the woods, and so should we.

The investment in the children and nature movement won’t put our grandkids in debt. And, especially in a recession, the dividends will be priceless.

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