Clean Air Calculator Helps Green Industry Pros Quantify the Environmental Benefits of Their Work

Landscape and lawn care professionals, sports field managers and golf course superintendents now have a powerful new tool to showcase the environmental value of the green spaces they create and maintain.

On this Earth Day 2025, Project EverGreen is proud to launch the Clean Air Calculator – an innovative, easy-to-use online mapping tool that measures

Learn More About GreenCare for Communities

Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Communities initiative transforms underserved parks and public green spaces into vibrant, healthy landscapes. Since 2008, the program has restored nearly 200 million square feet of turf and vegetation, producing enough clean air for more than 320,000 people each day.

Why do green spaces, including parks, gardens, athletic fields and healthy grass, matter? They’re the heart of healthier, more connected communities:

• Better Health – Parks and green spaces encourage physical activity and reduce stress, supporting both mental and physical well-being.
• Stronger Neighborhoods – Lush, well-maintained landscapes boost property values and curb appeal.
• Environmental Impact – Trees and turf absorb carbon, cool cities, and improve air quality.
• Community Connection – Parks bring people together for recreation, events, and shared experiences.

GreenCare for Communities brings together local businesses, municipalities, and volunteers to revitalize green spaces that make a measurable difference for people and the planet.

Health Benefits of Green Spaces

How do green spaces improve health?

• Encourage physical activity (walking, jogging, cycling)
• Lower stress and boost mental well-being
• Reduce obesity and heart disease risks
• Improve air quality by filtering pollutants

Access to parks and recreational areas promotes an active lifestyle, leading to better physical and mental health. Studies show that time spent in green spaces reduces stress, improves mood, and strengthens social connections.

Green Spaces Increase Property Values

Did you know that homes near parks have higher property values? Studies indicate that:

• Homes within a half mile of a park see property values increase by 8-20%.
• Well-maintained community green spaces make neighborhoods more desirable.
• Businesses benefit from higher foot traffic and customer engagement in greener areas.
• Green spaces don’t just beautify communities – they also enhance economic value for homeowners and local businesses.

Environmental Benefits of Green Spaces

Why are green spaces important for the environment?

• Absorb carbon dioxide and improve air quality
• Reduce urban heat islands by lowering temperatures
• Provide natural habitats for wildlife
• Reduce flooding by improving water absorption

Healthy landscapes contribute to climate change mitigation by filtering pollutants and cooling urban areas. They also support biodiversity, offering habitats for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.

Strengthening Communities Through Green Spaces

Parks and gardens serve as social hubs, bringing people together through:

• Community events (festivals, farmers’ markets, concerts)
• Recreational activities (sports, picnics, outdoor fitness)
• Volunteer and civic engagement programs
• Investing in community green spaces fosters social interaction, strengthens neighborhood bonds, and creates safer, more connected communities.