An interesting survey from Canada, saying folks aren’t spending as much time in nature as they used to or as they know is good for them. I can’t even imagine this poll being conducted in our country. I bet however little time they spend outdoors it’s still way more time than Americans.
Canadians too lazy, busy to go outside and play: survey
A survey released last week confirms grown-up Canadians still like to groan about going outside to play, often because they find outdoor activities too uncomfortable or time-consuming.
The Ipsos poll asked 2,000 Canadians to report how often they traded urban comforts for a natural setting. Although nine out of 10 agreed they’re happier when surrounded by wilderness, three-quarters admitted they find staying inside “easier.”
That answer varied considerably by age, with 80 per cent of millennials agreeing to the statement, compared to 68 per cent of baby boomers.
Rain, extreme temperatures and work pressures topped the list of reasons people avoided the outdoors, with a full third of respondents saying they don’t like the bugs and a quarter claiming they can’t find the motivation to leave the city.
I so want to know what these poll results would look like in this country. I’m sure they’d be so much worse! Maybe there should even be a “nature index” you can consult before moving to an area? The fact that a poll was issued on the topic at all speaks volumes about how much nature is valued in the country.
On average, the survey found Canadians spend just over an hour in nature on weekdays, going up to two hours on weekends.
Is it just me, or does that sound like a lot (or a lie)? When you think about the shorter days and longer work weeks, and you classify nature as “away from human environments” it’s hard to think how people steal an whole hour.
Neilson said the average was likely skewed up by a few people who spend lots of time outdoors. The vast majority, she explained, spend very little time outside.
But Neilson found it concerning that four out of 10 Canadians say they don’t spend any recreational time away from human-made environments at all.
“That’s a little alarming,” Neilson said. “There’s a saying — ‘People will protect what they love, and love what they know.’ If they know nature, and love it, they’ll protect it. There’s a chain effect.”
Okay I understand why this matters. And it brings home more vividly than ever why green spaces within urban environments matter. Like beavers in a city creek, for example. Of course this was the line from Vancouver that got my attention.
‘But she’s also noticed more excitement over the beavers, otters and other wildlife in recent years, with visitors eager to encounter critters firsthand.”
“We’re seeing a boom because of that authentic experience. You’re not just watching a movie about exotic birds, you’re seeing baby eagles with their heads popping over the sides of their nests,” she said.
Exactly! It seems to me that getting folks outside increases when they have a chance of observing wildlife firsthand. And they only way that is possible is for us to allow pockets where nature can thrive even in urban cities. Which means we can’t use up every ounce of space we might be able to sell for parking lots or big box stores. Ahem.
Speaking of urban nature making a difference in people’s lives, I finished tweaking this yesterday and wanted to share. This is a short version of my interview with Marcus Smith on BYU from last month set as a slideshow. I had to snip and snip to get it short enough, so I sound rather breathless at times. Enjoy!
