November 12th

By Mutt Mulligan

Study: living near nature makes it easier to quit smoking

The TurfMutt Foundation is always touting the benefits of nature – including the living landscapes found in our own backyards and neighborhood parks. For smokers trying to kick the habit, there’s even more reason to live near green space, according to recent research.

Scientists at the University of Exeter Medical School in the UK discovered that people were less likely to smoke and more likely to stop smoking when they live in greener neighborhoods. The scientists sampled over 8,000 people to conduct the research investigating the relationship between smoking and neighborhood green space.

Researchers say the findings advocate the need to protect and invest in local green space to maximize the public health benefits that some may not be able to afford.

To learn more about the many health and well-being benefits of our outdoor spaces, check out the Living Landscapes Fact Book.