(Clue – Yes it can!)
Two beautiful, litter free beaches. How do they make you feel?
We are all aware of the impact Covid is having on our mental health and during lockdown many of us realised that getting out of doors, especially to somewhere beautiful, helped us all deal with the stresses of life under lockdown.
As we emerge, it’s clear we will not be out of the woods for some time and many of us want to know what we can do to help. One answer it to help ensure we still have those unspoiled outdoor places to visit – and by helping clear these places, we, as a litter picking community, can play our part in lightening the mood. A littered space is a depressing one.
And don’t just take our word for it, there are recent studies to back this up. Yes, we’ve got science on our side!
Have a look at the spotless beaches with clear sea above and the ‘Before and After’ pictures below in this Blog. How do they make you feel? Which would you prefer to see when you’re going on that holiday or taking a walk?
Now think of all the places you love to visit locally: the Dam, Spud Wood, the TPT. Are they as clear as you would like? What about your immediate surroundings in Lymm? And the schools, sports fields and car parks you visit. Do they have lots of litter blowing around? Does it get you down?
Before and after on a woody bank
It might sound like we’re stating the obvious about litter putting a damper on your mood - but here’s some research anyway, to back us up.
In 2020 A study from Portland State University found that patients enrolled in mental health disorder treatment programs confirmed that litter in and around their local streets was a factor in slowing the progress of positive health outcomes associated with their mental health recovery.
River bank before and after
Another study in a US city found that even with the introduction of new community mental health support, the severity of depression in communities with a lot of litter remained stable or increased.
Woodland Before & After
Thirdly (don’t worry, this is the last study we’re going to mention!), for anyone planning a beach holiday this year, research analysing marine litter to assess the psychological impacts of littered beaches on people was made.
It found that photographs showing litter-free coasts generally gave people a sense of happiness and less stress. In contrast, photographs of coasts covered in debris caused participants to show stress and feel negative about the beaches.
However, while it’s interesting to look at these pictures and see how removing the litter can transform a place, it’s even better – and really satisfying - if it’s something you have cleared yourself. So next time you’re out, why not take your own ‘Before and After’ pictures so you can appreciate the difference you have made. And then post them on our Facebook page to spread the cheer!
Finally, there is anecdotal evidence that actually picking litter can help improve your mental health as well. We’ll come to that in the next Blog.