Survey Rates Attitudes On Green Space

Project EverGreen recently released the results of a survey it conducted to determine consumer awareness and perception of the environmental, economic and lifestyle benefits of green spaces. Property values and safety were two areas where consumers saw the greatest benefits.

“Ninety percent of those surveyed agreed that landscaping is important in improving their home’s value at sale time. However, only 50 percent agreed that landscaping was important in reducing energy costs,” said Den Gardner, executive director of Project EverGreen. “It’s not surprising that more education is needed to fully appreciate all dimensions of the value green space has for our society.”

Green spaces are important for public safety because they create a “better, safer environment” according to 80 percent of the respondents.

The survey asked about consumer attitudes (lifestyle, economic, environmental) on the value of well-maintained green space such as landscaping. The nationwide survey is part of Project EverGreen’s ongoing work to help assess the benefits provided by public and private urban landscapes.

Seventy-five percent of the respondents said professionally maintained public parks and sports fields are good for the economy, while 70 percent said they believe green spaces and parks help improve property values. Sixty-five percent of those surveyed said pesticides are a useful tool for fighting weeds, disease and insects.

When asked if they would vote in favor of a tax increase for the purpose of building public green spaces and parks, 55 percent said yes. Gardner said he found that to be “encouraging.”

More information on the survey is available from Project EverGreen by calling (877) 758-4835.