Well, tickle me surprised, a bounty of research shows community gardening efforts sprout safety along with vegetable yields! Transforming abandoned urban spaces by planting posies, fruits, and veggies makes neighborhoods significantly less crime-ridden.
A decade ago in Flint, Michigan, many streets were hazardous with dilapidated structures and overgrown lots. Resident Darnell Ishmel described waist-high scrub on vacant properties obstructing views — prime locations for danger and illegal deeds to unfold. Packs of potentially aggressive, abandoned dogs also roamed freely, compounding unease.
But then the city rallied together and started beautification projects to clean up empty lots. They planted flowers, trees, community gardens - you name it. And bless their hearts if violent crime didn't start dropping faster than my Meemaw's famous sweet potato casserole! In 2012, over 2700 aggressions and illegal activities were reported to the police. But just 10 years later, after all the planting projects, that number dropped to less than 1,000.
Cut to professors studying statistics at institutions like the University of Michigan School of Public Health, who corroborated the connection between community greenification efforts and reduced crime. Lead researcher Dr. Marc Zimmerman determined it was one of the most rock-solid correlations he's seen in over 30 years! His cohorts reviewed projects in various towns that showed things like:
It seemed black thumbs certainly didn't cause this trend!
Additional Reviewed Benefits
So What Gives?
Experts point to things like the Broken Window Theory, which states that visible signs of decay send signals that it's okay for disorderly conduct to occur. Plus, messy landscapes mediate poor morale. But clean things up with vegetation, and suddenly, residents feel more connected, happy, and energized! Additionally, research shows that the visual cuteness factors of plants release neurotransmitters that inhibit aggression in humans. Their tranquility transfers to us through sight alone!
Youth Engagement Key
Getting youngsters involved teaches responsibility and directly deters delinquency. Kids who spruce up lots don't end up in them doing naughty things! As community projects sprout, so do seeds of growth in the youth who tend them. Sort of a "nip troublemaking buds early" approach!
The Takeaway
It seems to minister to Mother Nature ministers to mankind, too! So, if you want to inoculate your streets against violence, tell leaders to endorse some flower power initiatives! Hand out gardening gloves and watch sprout safety. A little Vitamin G(ardening) can go far! Now, who wants homemade sweet tea?
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