A Prescription for Health, Happiness and Fulfilment: The Video
Every year Planet Ark commissions research in the lead up to National Tree Day to examine the benefits of time in nature. This year's CSA and online video was inspired by award-winning writer, creator and director, Justin Bogardus, of Nature RX, a satire that explores the cure to society’s ills: more time outside in nature.
Planet Ark loved the thought leadership and fresh new approach to marketing nature. National Tree Day Manager, Debbie Agnew, got in touch with Justin at Nature Rx and hired him to write, direct and endorse a version for Australia in the lead up to National Tree Day.
The Australian video highlights scientific and medical research based on Planet Ark's 2016 report, Adding Trees - A Prescription for Health, Happiness and Fulfilment, sponsored by Toyota. The video shows how time in nature helps us grow healthier, happier, calmer, brighter and closer - aspirations Australians consider the most important for a fulfilling life.
The video was shot in Hazelbrook in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney - a huge thank you to the staff at Hazelbrook Medical Clinic for their support.
Nature Rx
Set in the world of a spoofed prescription drug commercial, Nature Rx promotes getting outdoors in a fun, totally new way with innovative storytelling and a strong call-to-action - get outside, nature's good medicine. For more visit Nature RX.org
The Creator: Justin Bogardus
Comedy has always been a salvation for restless director Justin Bogardus, whose career was rooted in New York City for over a decade. Bogardus made everything from films and documentaries to reality television shows and hard-hitting pieces that exonerated wrongfully convicted prisoners.
Key Findings of the Tree Day Research
The report titled Adding Trees - A Prescription for Health, Happiness and Fulfilment, found:
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Just 10 minutes' relaxing outside is enough to significantly reduce blood pressure.
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Time in nature reduces a person’s chance of developing a range of diseases, including diabetes by 43%, cardiovascular disease and stroke by 37% and depression by 25%.
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Nature induces positive feelings through a number of physiological mechanisms, including activating the brain’s dopamine reward system.
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Students who take part in outdoor learning programs perform better in reading, writing, maths and science, with 77% of teachers reporting student improvement in standardised tests.
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A strong connection to nature makes people more likely to feel passionate about relationships with their friends and family.
