Environmental wellness is an awareness of the dependent relationship humans have with the natural world, their personal surroundings, and community. It is a recognition and respect for the cyclical nature of the world we are a part of where the health of our surrounding environment affects us just as our choices and daily habits impact the physical world. It consists of practicing ganawenjigewin, a way of life that emphasizes that relationship with the earth and works to reduce harm to the environment through learning, lifestyle habits, and activism.
Strategies to enhance Environmental Wellness:
Practice a sustainable lifestyle
- Buy locally produced food, support local farmers
- Create and advocate for policy changes and social changes for environmental wellness within community
- Unplug from technology and unplug technology when not in use
- Walk or ride a bike wherever possible instead of driving
Connect with nature
- Forage for natural foods
- Grow a garden
- Learn traditional crafts, tree and bird identification
- Spend time outdoors appreciating nature through all the seasons
Conserve natural resources
- Buy only things you need
- Practice careful use of water and energy resources
- Recycle and reduce waste
- Use reuseable containers and bags
Respect personal surroundings and reduce stressors from environment
- Be aware of risks certain settings present (late night, traveling alone or to new places)
- Keep yourself safe from noise, air and water pollution, secondhand smoke, and UV radiation
- Maintain an organized work and living space and use toxic-free cleaning materials
- Understand the relationship between a healthy environment and wellbeing
Resources:
Campus Activities:
- Campus clean-up
- Campus gardens, trails, and outdoor classroom
- Earth Week and Sustainability Day
- Garden and food waste composting
- Garden and Forest Planning Committee
- Recycling