Eco-psycology is possibly already being considered by some as a factor in planning and redevelopment in Minneapolis. Thought I would forward this interesting recent posting by the Mn Office of Environmental Assistance ( http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/update.cfm ). Studies are starting to show that having greenspace interspersed in the urban landscape is not only nice for nature and nature lovers, but actually improves human mental and physical health. --- Dave Stack, Harrison -----------------------
> ----- Forwarded Message ----- > From: "Philipp Muessig" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Sent: Jan 15, 2004 > Subject: [MNSCN] Update #176 > > ... > > ... ECO-PSYCHOLOGY >> > > Few can deny the mentally and emotionally therapeutic benefits of a stroll outside after dinner, or of a weekend in the wilderness, or of an extra window providing natural light. In fact, a recent study found that office workers with a good view out a window enjoyed their job more and reported better life satisfaction and better health ( http://www.apa.org/monitor/apr01/greengood.html ). Environmentalists such as E.O. Wilson and Rachel Carson have argued for decades that humans have an innate affinity for the natural world (biophilia) and even a hard-wired, physical need to connect with nature, that effects how we think, feel and act. >> > > Study of these cognitive effects of nature, called "environmental psychology" or "eco-psychology," is a rapidly growing field, attempting to salvage the relationship between people and nature by looking at the ways in which they interact ( http://www-personal.umich.edu/~rdeyoung/envtpsych.html ). Eco-psychology research is beginning to influence disparate fields such as: > > > > * Physical and psychological therapy > > * Real-estate development > > * Hospital, school and office design > > * Greening urban landscapes > > * Saving areas of natural wilderness > > > > The field of environmental health may soon come to integrate a focus on the benefits of nature instead of merely environmental health hazards, and cities may use research findings to justify placing a higher value on green spaces when launching projects to address crime rates, delinquency and urban social anxieties ( http://ecopsychology.athabascau.ca/ ). >> > > Many environmental psychologists believe that ecological destruction stems from a sense of disconnection with the Earth, and are thus concerned with trends of consumption and rapid development of natural resources. Leaders in the field also generally maintain that humanity's problems cannot be solved without adequate recognition and respect of nature ( http://www.wcupa.edu/_ACADEMICS/sch_cas.psy/Career_Paths/Environmental/career09.htm ) . >> > > For more information, check out the sites for the International Community for Eco-psychology ( http://www.ecopsychology.org/ ), or Project Nature Connect ( http://www.ecopsych.com/homepage.html ). Key books in the field include People in Cities: The Urban Environment and its Effects, Edward Krupat (author), Daniel Stokols and Irwin Altman (Eds.), Cambridge University Press (1985) and The Voice of the Earth: An Exploration of Ecopsychology, Theodore Roszak, Phanes Publishing (2002). > > ... REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
