Farm LA:
Fostering Improved Health through Community Gardening BY FIONA OSBORN | DESIGN BY EMILY XING
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Our health has always been intertwined with the environment. One way we are reliant on the environment is through “ecosystem services,” or all of the benefits we get from nature such as food, clean water, and clean air. Our relationships with the environment are often quantified in economic terms, yet the environment can also have a profound effect on mental well-being. Studies have shown that experiences in nature positively correlate with mood improvements.1 Not only can nature improve mental health, but these outdoor experiences can also be ways to create connections with others and build a sense of community. There are several local organizations that are trying to bring these environmental benefits to their communities. By shaping our relationships with the environment to better harness these advantages, these organizations play a critical role in preserving environmental advantages for future generations. Among these many organizations is Farm LA, a local community garden serving the greater Los Angeles (LA) area.
