Greenspace can result in less smoking and drinking

New research led by the University of Exeter involving 18,838 adults from 18 different countries found that residential greenspace is associated with a significant reduction in risky health behaviours such as smoking and everyday drinking. Greenspace was defined as land comprised of vegetation and natural elements within 250 metres of someone’s home, including gardens.

The research found that people living in the greenest neighbourhoods were 13% less likely to be current smokers and 31% less likely to drink alcohol every day than those in less green areas. The research, part of the BlueHealth project, funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020, published in Health & Place found this was consistent across different countries regardless of household income or educational attainment.