Each year, millions of tons of toxic chemicals are released into the air we breathe; be that from factories, car fumes or electronic devices. 

Unfortunately, our exposure to them is unavoidable – since they’re present in the air around us, as well as the water that fills the oceans. They’re harmful to both humans and wildlife, and have shown to be a causing factor of a range of diseases.

Not only that, but chemicals are also significantly reducing the lifespan of the earth. Its temperature has risen over the past few decades, and its protective layer (ozone layer) has begun to tear. This means we’re more at risk of exposure to radiation from the sun.

Although the production of these chemicals is unlikely to ever stop, we can help to reduce their impact on the environment. Organic gardening is good for environmental health, and is something we can do from the comfort of our own home. It has also shown to reduce the levels of dangerous pollutants.

So how, exactly, is gardening good for environmental health?

Reduces pollution levels

Gardening is a great hobby to take up. Not only does it boost our mental health, but it’s friendly for our personal finances and beneficial to our planet.

As humans, we naturally release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when we breathe out. But this carbon dioxide can actually contribute to the increase in the earth’s temperature, being a major culprit of the greenhouse gas effect.

Plants and trees have amazing absorbing properties, soaking up harmful gases – including carbon dioxide – to keep their levels in the atmosphere low. At the same time, they release oxygen, too – which provides us humans with the elixir we need to survive.

Less carbon footprint

Individually, our carbon footprint is the approximate amount of CO2 we emit into the atmosphere. And each of us produces roughly 11 tonnes of carbon each year, according to a 2006 report. 

We’ve recently seen widespread changes to help reduce this – from the switch to paper straws, to reusable shopping bags. But a major contributor of climate change is the air miles created to import fresh produce.

We can easily help to reduce air miles by growing fruits, vegetables and herbs in our own gardens. By growing and eating what’s in season, you’re not only reducing the need for unnecessary food transportation, but you’re gaining optimum health benefits with abundant vitamins and minerals.

Gardening saves our wildlife

It’s important to remember the impact that our actions can have on our wildlife. So many habitats have already been damaged by climate change, meaning the devastating extinction of hundreds of species.

By building up your garden at home, you’re creating natural habitats for the smaller creatures that flourish in such environments. Just be sure to avoid using harmful chemicals and pesticides, and you’ve got yourself a thriving ecosystem.

Reduces erosion of the earth

The power of waterflow can cause the wearing away of earth’s materials. From valley erosion to coastal erosion, it’s an unstoppable process facilitated by the natural recycling of water.

By planting new shrubs and flowers, we can help to make the earth’s structures more stable. Their roots hold the ground together, making for stronger soil that’s less susceptible to erosion. When providing a protective layer over the ground, plants can also help to slow down the flow of the water, meaning it’s less destructive to earth’s materials.

It’s often surprising to think of the significant benefits that plants can offer us and the earth – and part of the contribution we can make to a healthier planet sits on our very doorstep. To find out how you can get started with gardening at home, discover the gardening essentials for beginners in our previous article.