As the end of the year draws closer, we hope that we can look to the future with positive thoughts. It goes without saying that 2020 has been a challenge. In some states more than others. I hope you are all managing to keep your businesses trickling along.

Just before I began writing this message, I was excited to read a media release that arrived in my inbox. Research conducted over 11 years on over 100,000 Australians inferred that a high green canopy cover lowered the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

We are aware of the health benefits of having plants and particularly indoor plants however collecting all the latest research and staying abreast of it is beneficial for us as an industry. We can use this positive data to further promote the benefits of interior plantscaping. Now more than ever we need to promote this information to the broader community. Having the information on your websites or sharing on your social media is important. As workers slowly start to return to work we can focus on this positive information.

I have included the following link if you would like to read more on this subject

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412020320572#b0250

I have recently had to travel along the east coast of NSW and I noticed in some areas councils are investing heavily in infrastructure to not only beautify their towns but also to entice tourists. Town centre improvements, including the addition of trees and improved landscaping as well as upgrades to coastal walking tracks. Australia for the first time in decades is seeing a rise in local tourism with many hotels and motels being fully booked.

Let’s hope that this spending sees its way to office buildings in the town with improvements in interior plantscaping and building beautification. We need to jump in before the fake plant companies do. I have seen a few of those recently and cannot help but think what a health hazard!

Wishing you, your families and colleagues all the very best of health and good luck with your businesses.

Karen Smith

IPA 2020 President

M: 0425349137