Green is a color that is commonly associated with nature, growth, renewal, and environmentally friendly practices. But what things actually correlate statistically with the color green? In this article, we will explore some of the interesting and unexpected connections that exist between green and aspects of science, psychology, business, culture, and more.
Green in Nature
In the natural world, green is the color of many plants, trees, and algae. This is due to the presence of chlorophyll, a pigment that absorbs blue and red light but reflects green. Chlorophyll allows plants to absorb energy from sunlight during photosynthesis, the process that allows them to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars for growth. So there is an obvious correlation between the color green and plant life.
Some statistics on the connections between green, plants, and nature:
| Percentage of land on Earth covered by vegetation | 30% |
| Percentage of the human diet derived from green leafy vegetables | 15% |
| Percentage of land designated as protected natural areas globally | 15% |
Green is also connected to wildlife and the environment. Species like frogs, turtles, and many insects display green colors to camouflage themselves in nature. Green is strongly associated with environmentalism, sustainability, and ecological practices. Recycling, renewable energy, clean transportation, and organic agriculture are often represented by the color green.
Green and Science
In physics, green sits in the middle of the visible light spectrum with wavelengths between 495-570 nm. It blends the calming effect of blue tones and the energy of yellow hues. Scientists have found that green light can help regulate circadian rhythms and improve vision.
Green also has useful applications in chemistry and engineering:
| Use of green fluorescent protein in biochemistry | To study cell structure and function |
| Boric acid test with green flame | To detect boron compound |
| Green laser light | Laser eye surgery, laser displays |
Emerald gems get their green color from traces of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Malachite, jade, and moss agate are other green-hued minerals.
Green Psychology and Perception
Research has shown that the color green has a number of effects on mood, perception, and behavior:
| Improved reading speed and comprehension | When reading text on green background |
| Increased creativity | On green-exposed subjects in studies |
| Reduced anxiety and eye fatigue | When viewing green after stress |
Green is thought to symbolize renewal, calmness, and freshness. Rooms painted green are believed to have a relaxing effect. Studies have found students perform better on tests in green rooms.
However, perceptions vary across cultures. Green can also represent jealousy, inexperience, or illness in some contexts. But overall green tones tend to be associated with positivity.
Green in Business and Marketing
The color green plays an important role in business, marketing, and advertising:
| 20% higher CTR | For green buttons vs red |
| Calming effect | In stores with green displays |
| Eco-conscious branding | For green product packaging |
Green is a popular choice for financial brands wanting to convey growth, freshness, or security. Many organic and all-natural products rely on green packaging to emphasize sustainability. Green is also sometimes used in government and healthcare for its sense of environmentalism and wellbeing.
Green in Culture and Society
There are many examples of green symbolism throughout culture:
| Green traffic lights | Permission to go |
| “Green with envy” | Jealousy idiom |
| Green room | VIP waiting area |
In film, green screens allow digital backgrounds to be added later. The “green card” in the U.S. confers permanent resident status. In Indonesia, green is a prohibited color that signals danger.
Some cultural associations between green and different aspects of society include:
| St. Patrick’s Day | Green clothing and decor |
| Green Parties | Environmentalist political groups |
| Greenpeace | Environmental organization |
| “Go green” | Environmental sustainability slogan |
So green takes on many meanings in cultures around the world. But it often connects back to nature, renewal, and the environment.
Conclusion
While the color green is most obviously associated with plant life and the environment, it has wide-ranging correlations and effects across science, psychology, business, culture and society. The color reflects growth, harmony, and safety in many contexts. But it can also symbolize jealousy, inexperience, or even danger in some situations. Overall green tends to evoke a sense of balance, calm, and ecological wellbeing. Those are likely reasons why humans are so drawn to green hues in the natural world and beyond. Understanding these connections provides deeper insight into the diverse human associations with color.
