The Possibility of Sustainable Urban Horticulture Based on Nature Therapy

Na Lu, Chorong Song, Takanori Kuronuma, Harumi Ikei, Yoshifumi Miyazaki and Michiko Takagaki
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Na Lu: Center for Environment, Health and Field Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
Chorong Song: Center for Environment, Health and Field Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
Takanori Kuronuma: Center for Environment, Health and Field Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
Harumi Ikei: Center for Environment, Health and Field Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
Yoshifumi Miyazaki: Center for Environment, Health and Field Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
Michiko Takagaki: Center for Environment, Health and Field Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba 277-0882, Japan

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 12, 1-11

Abstract: Population growth and increased stress caused by urbanization have led to social problems that are predicted to intensify in the future. In these conditions, the recently established ”nature therapy” has revealed that an environment rich in various plant life significantly contributes to the relief of physical and mental stress. Meanwhile, from the perspective of reduction in the energy required for transportation and the retention of plant freshness, urban horticulture, in which plant life exists harmoniously with the city, has attracted considerable attention. Interactions between humans and plants in urban horticulture are considered to contribute to the good health and wellbeing of people. Therefore, we incorporate human-centered thinking based on nature therapy into horticultural produce-centered thinking based on conventional urban horticulture. By introducing a pioneering urban horticulture plant factory as an example, we propose the possibility of sustainable urban horticulture based on nature therapy.

Keywords: stressful society; nature therapy; plant factory; urban green; sustainable cities; human-centered horticulture; health promotion; immunity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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