The advancements that we have made as a civilization has benefited us in many ways. Unfortunately, they have also brought forth multitudes of problems, notably the damages that our environment has incurred. Climate change is happening, and as the circumstances grow graver each year, everyone is scrambling to find solutions.
Many have taken up the task to revise their lifestyles in order to help. Some have turned to veganism, or a more plant-based diet, knowing that the meat industry is one of the leading causes of climate change. Others have partnered this change of diet with gardening, in hopes that by lessening their carbon footprint, they will be contributing further to the cause.
Gardening can be small-scale like tiny pots on the balcony, which take very little effort to uphold. It can be on a wider-scale, too, with a greenhouse that is fully outfitted with window shades and other equipment.
Larger groups can also benefit from gardening. Schools are encouraged to make an effort. While they may require extra work from school staff and students alike, having an outside garden or a greenhouse can be extremely beneficial for the school.
Improves Air Quality
One of the main reasons — and perhaps the most obvious — to install gardens or greenhouses is that having numerous plants on campus can help boost the quality of air around the area. Plants are known to reduce indoor air pollution, which gives symptoms such as headaches, loss of concentration, and dizziness.
Furthermore, harvested plants and flowers can be placed in pots. These potted plants can be used to decorate the classrooms and halls, which is an added perk to add life to the otherwise gloomy interiors.
Enhances Brain Activity
Being surrounded by plants may help students in de-stressing since plants are known to soothe people by suppressing the sympathetic nervous system. In relation to this, several studies have shown that people tend to be more happy and optimistic when met with aesthetically pleasing places.
Aside from de-stressing, visual creativity may also be enhanced, as the brain tends to work more if the color green is in view. Productivity is likely to increase, as well, since plants help in prolonging attention spans and aids in clearing one’s head.
Better Curriculum
Implementing horticulture into the curriculum, regardless of grade level, will help the students understand better how some aspects of nature work. The study of plants can work in tandem with other fields of study, like business or mathematics.
Younger students can be taught about how nature can affect growing conditions, while the older kids can learn more about how gardening can be utilized to establish one’s business. After all, running a family cafe or a flower shop that is partly dependent on self-grown produce will lessen expenses in the long run.
If we wish to continue residing in a world that has been nothing but kind to us humans, then we all should make a collective effort to reduce the damage that we leave on our surroundings. Gardening is one good way of doing so. Individuals and groups alike can utilize this to their benefit while also helping the environment.
