Communities of color are also more likely to be exposed to environmental hazards, from air and water pollution to distracting noise. Several studies have found connections between long-term air pollution exposure and increased risk of depression, anxiety, dementia, and Alzheimer’s.

But we can change this. Think about the park prescription: Doctors are literally prescribing nature to improve mental and physical health, and it seems to work. A 2018 study found parents’ stress reduced when doctors gave families with low incomes counseling and resources to go on regular nature outings.

We need to go further and make sure that every neighborhood has the nature it needs for people to thrive: abundant parks, plenty of trees, clean air and rivers, safe drinking water… the list goes on.

Some cities have shown us how we can get there:

• In 2018, Boston reached an amazing milestone: all residents were within a 10-minute walk of a park. The city’s work shows us how using local data to identify and address inequities creates opportunities for all.
• In Chelsea, Massachusetts, the city’s poor air quality led to them having the highest asthma hospitalization rate in the state. Thanks in part to community organizing and engaging youth to be environmental justice activists, the city is finally seeing a reduction in its air pollutants.
• Over in St. Louis, Missouri, leaders both created more greenspace throughout the city and protected pollinators by encouraging residents to plant and register their own monarch butterfly gardens.

With Earth Day coming up, I’ve been thinking a lot about the nature in my neighborhood and how I want everyone else to have that same opportunity.

Equitable and easy access to nature that is clean and safe should be a right. For our health and for our happiness.

Cariños,
Margarita

P.S. Have you had your daily dose of nature yet today? Get outside for some fresh air once you’re done reading!