By Cassie Kerner
Why, you might wonder, would we run an article about the benefits of walking on our Joe Green page? I’m guessing some of you would argue that the topic would be better suited to a health section, and perhaps further, that the benefits of walking are already fairly obvious. I don’t disagree, but I’d like to talk about walking in a broader sense today and hopefully convince you that: A) Doing something good for the environment can be really simple, and B) What’s good for the environment can have a positive impact on the rest of your life as well.
Yes, it is well documented that walking is good for your health. Regular exercise can help you control your weight and lower your risk for glaucoma, Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer, among many other health problems. It has been associated with improved sleep, lower levels of stress and better moods. People who get regular exercise, as a whole, live longer, healthier, happier lives.
You’ve probably seen headlines about our country’s ranking among the fattest nations on the planet. I wonder how our obesity index relates to the prices of gasoline and groceries. In European countries where fuel prices have traditionally been much higher that in the
I also read this week where a leading manufacturer of chocolate candy bars was raising prices 25% to deal with the rapidly increasing costs of ingredients. It will be interesting to see a few years down the road if these factors actually motivate people to change their eating and exercise habits, and if so, how that translates to overall better health.
Going one step further, walking can be good for neighborhoods and communities, too. While driving from one place to the next may be fast and convenient, it can also be isolating. As we become more dependent on vehicles for our transportation, there are fewer opportunities for personal interaction. Even a nod, smile or quick hello as you pass someone on the sidewalk can help build a sense of community, and a connection to the world around us. Undoubtedly, many trips are impractical by foot, but others—picking up your kid from a nearby friend’s house or dropping a piece of mail in a corner box—are much more manageable.
But does taking a walk really help the environment? Yes, and to a greater extent than you might think. According to one study, motor vehicle emissions account for 31% of carbon dioxide and 81% of carbon monoxide released in the
If you want to do more, carry a small bag with you when you walk and pick up litter along the way. You can get some exercise, help preserve our air quality and make your neighborhood a bit prettier. That’s an all-around win in my book.
We are so lucky to have the walking options available to us here. The new hiking and biking trails along the parkway are constantly expanding. The spurs of the former Rock Island Railroad line will soon be connected. Even with these new additions, it doesn’t look like the foot traffic on
So, the next time you have a short errand to run, I hope you’ll consider setting out on foot rather than jumping in your car. A walk can be a great way to clear your mind, boost your energy level and improve your mood. Or bring a friend, significant other or your four-legged companion along and enjoy some quality time together. Either way, you’ll not only be improving your own mental and physical well-being—you’ll be making a difference to the health of our community too.