Cultivating healthy places and communities: evidenced-based nature contact recommendations

Abstract

Cultivating healthful places is an important public health focus. This paper presents evidence-based recommendations related to nature contact. A multidisciplinary review was conducted in several fields of study and findings were organized into public health recommendations: (1) cultivate grounds for viewing, (2) maintain healing gardens, (3) incorporate wooded parks and green space in communities, (4) advocate for preservation of pristine wilderness, (5) welcome animals indoors, (6) provide a plethora of indoor potted plants within view, (7) light rooms with bright natural light, (8) provide a clear view of nature outside, (9) allow outside air and sounds in, (10) display nature photography and realistic nature art, (11) watch nature on TV or videos, and (12) listen to recorded sounds of nature. The findings should inform public health promoters in the design of healthy places and communities. Future research needs are highlighted.

Keywords:

• healthy communities
• healthy places
• nature contact
• public health promotion