See the Forest and the Trees

Recent research conducted among more than 150 million people shows that there is a strong correlation between poor air quality and higher rates of serious mental health problems. This could be caused by air pollution itself, or noise from the traffic, or it could be that these areas are often more poor and more densely packed with people, therefore the number of serious mental health issues are bound to be higher. Scientists are increasingly convinced that some of the smallest pollutants pass through the blood brain barrier and are potentially affecting the brain. Even more recent global data has found that people living in heavy air polluted areas have higher rates of depression and suicide. So, what’s the answer to this serious problem? Do we all move out of cities? Can most people really afford to live in less air polluted areas? Or does the answer lie in better public transport; relying less on fossil fuels; greener, more efficient ways of moving all the goods around that we now all buy online; a greater concerted effort to properly green the most heavily air polluted areas? We already know that air pollution in New Cross and Deptford is six times higher than the World Health Organisation guidelines, so greening our area is essential. It’s clearly in all our interests. And it is something we can all play a role in. Whether by planting what we can in our own spaces, getting involved in developing community green spaces or lobbying our council and the London Mayor to expand their ‘greening’ plans even further. Here’s one New Year’s resolution we all need to make and really cannot afford to break – reducing our own and collective carbon footprints. Planting trees and grasses, such as Bamboo, can make a significant difference. Commit to planting a tree or some bamboo this year. It doesn’t have to be in your own backyard, you might not have one! If you would like to find out more about how you can get involved in tree planting in London check out the following websites: www.friendsoftheearth.uk, www.woodlandtrust.org.uk, https://www.treesforcities.org, https://www.london.gov.uk/whatwe- do/environment/parks-green-spaces-and-biodiversity/urbangreening, https://www.deptfordfolk.org, www.nxgtrust.org.uk, https://lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/environment/trees