In an age of hyper-connectivity, concrete jungles, and climate anxiety, reconnecting with nature may be one of the simplest yet most powerful remedies for mental well-being. Green therapy—also known as ecotherapy, nature therapy, or Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing)—is gaining attention as an effective and accessible form of healing that uses nature to support emotional and physical health.According to Dr. Mayanka Lodhi, Chief Pathologist at Redcliffe Labs, “The connection between nature and well-being is deeply rooted in science. When we spend time in green, clean spaces, our bodies respond positively—stress hormones drop, breathing slows, and mood improves. That’s why we must treat mental health and environmental health as interconnected.”The Science Behind Green TherapyGreen therapy involves engaging with the natural world—through walks in the park, gardening, or simply listening to birdsong—to reduce stress and enhance mood. The benefits are both physical and psychological: decreased cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, reduced anxiety, and improved cognitive function.A growing body of research backs this up. A 2021 study by Jimenez et al. found that regular exposure to green environments significantly lowers markers of stress such as heart rate and cortisol. “When you're surrounded by greenery, you're also surrounded by calm. The sights, smells, and sounds of nature activate our parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body relax and recover,” Dr. Lodhi adds.A Polluted Environment, A Polluted Mind?This World Environment Day 2025, the focus is on plastic pollution. Often framed as a purely ecological issue, plastic waste has a quieter, more insidious effect—on mental health.Urban spaces overflowing with plastic trash not only degrade ecosystems but also drain emotional resilience. Dr. Lodhi explains, “Imagine stepping into a park filled with wrappers and bottles—it disrupts the tranquility that nature is supposed to provide. Instead of peace, it may trigger helplessness or eco-anxiety, especially among the youth.”She points out that mental wellness is compromised when we lose access to clean, natural environments. “Green therapy only works if the spaces we rely on for healing remain truly green—free from pollution and plastic.”A Daily Walk Can Make a DifferenceEven a short daily walk in a clean park or tree-lined street can work wonders. Studies have shown that just 10–15 minutes a day in natural settings can lead to:Reduced symptoms of depressionImproved sleep qualityBetter focus and productivityA sense of groundedness and emotional clarityYet, these benefits are undermined in polluted environments. “When plastic takes over our parks and water bodies, it isn’t just a visual nuisance—it’s a psychological burden,” says Dr. Lodhi.Redcliffe Labs through its Health for Earth initiative, the organization commits to holistic wellness by linking every test to a green action: planting one tree for every diagnostic test done. “We want people to understand that their health decisions also impact the planet,” says Dr. Lodhi.Redcliffe is also pushing for a lower carbon footprint—saving over 3.76 crore A4 sheets through digital reports, which translates to saving 4,700 trees and preventing 188+ metric tons of CO₂ emissions.“Whether it’s reducing plastic use, walking in green spaces, or joining a clean-up drive, each step we take for the Earth brings calm within us,” Dr. Lodhi reflects.A Call to ActionAs we mark World Environment Day, let’s reframe the fight against pollution as not just an ecological cause, but a mental health movement. Cleaner parks and greener neighborhoods can become sanctuaries for healing—if we care for them.Because a healthier planet creates space for healthier minds. And in healing the Earth, we may also find a way to heal ourselves.