People with more nature in their neighborhoods smoke and drink less, study finds

A recent study led by the University of Exeter has shed light on the positive impact of green spaces on health risk behaviors such as smoking and drinking. The research, part of the BlueHealth project and published in Health & Place, analyzed data from multiple countries and found that people living in greener neighborhoods were less likely to smoke and drink alcohol daily.

The study revealed that individuals in the greenest areas were 13% less likely to be current smokers and 31% less likely to indulge in daily drinking compared to those in less green spaces. This correlation held true across different countries, income levels, and educational backgrounds, indicating that the presence of green spaces near one’s home can benefit individuals from all walks of life.

Moreover, the research highlighted the importance of intentional visits to nature in reducing smoking habits. Individuals who made weekly trips to natural environments away from their homes were less likely to smoke, underscoring the therapeutic effects of nature on health behaviors.

Dr. Leanne Martin, the lead author of the study, emphasized the significance of the findings in addressing health inequalities. She noted that nature’s benefits were not limited to specific groups and could potentially serve as a public health intervention to reduce smoking and drinking habits.

The study defined residential green space as vegetation and natural elements within 250 meters of a person’s home, including private gardens. Data from the BlueHealth International Survey, comprising 18,838 adults from 18 countries, was used to draw these conclusions.

Co-author Dr. Mat White highlighted the calming effect of nature on cravings for substances like alcohol and nicotine, suggesting that exposure to green spaces could help individuals give up addictive behaviors. The study proposed that improving access to urban green spaces could offer viable strategies for public health providers to address multiple health risk behaviors.

In conclusion, the research underscores the importance of green spaces in promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing harmful habits. By harnessing the benefits of nature, communities can potentially combat smoking and drinking issues, leading to improved public health outcomes.