Environmental Wellbeing

Wherever in the world you attend class, it is worth thinking about the quality of your learning environment. An environment that puts you at ease and stimulates your mind is useful in being productive. Or, consider your bedroom, living space, or workspace. You could make your environment challenging or free of comforts providing you with sufficient stress or simplicity to motivate a focus on studies or other dimensions of wellness. Workshops are offered to support your Environmental Wellbeing. Simply organize your mental workload with time management strategies or organize an outdoor adventure. Local options often are available in the forms of community activities, supporting neighborhood projects, or joining a club. These can be great ways to organize your environment and network with others pursuing the same ends. On-campus students have the ability to access a great number of study, activity, and event spaces. Online students should consider the digital environment in addition to local events and workspaces. Join activities when they occur. 

Enjoying good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being" (Korbin, n.d.)

— Korbin, n.d.

  • Sustainable Living

    Reduce

    Ben Woodman, chair of the Environmental Sustainability Alliance at WSU, discusses specific actions you can take daily to lessen your environmental impact.

    Webinar Highlights:

    • Think about how something affects the environment before and after it gets to you. 
    • Consider the costs, benefits, and who else the product affects. 
    • Energy usage includes what natural source something originates from, what your benefits are from it, and how much money and time of yours it takes.
    • Where can you conserve energy (water, energy, carbon footprint, and stuff)?
    • How much are you consuming?
    • How can you change?
    • Don't try to take on everything simultaneously, but be persistent and consistent. 

    Thrifting

    A great way to reduce waste is to purchase second-hand. Second-hand items are often cheaper than buying new ones, so thrifting also supports financial well-being.

    Here are some tips on how to make the most out of your thrift trip:

    • Be prepared
    • Bring cash
    • Sell before you buy
    • master the art of the scan
    Where to shop

    Thrift stores in person, Thrift apps, Facebook "free and for sale" or marketplace, Craigslist. Yard sales. Also consider checking out thrifty YouTubers for ideas on how to use secondhand items. 

    Upcycling

    Flex your creativity and be kind to the environment at the same time! Anytime you transform or reuse a product for something new you are upcycling. 

    If you're more of a visual learner The Sorry Girls on YouTube show you tons of ways to reuse items in unconventional ways, everything from fashion to decor.

    UPCYCLE THAT is a site that provides inspiration for what to do with various materials and how to DIY items such as decor, camping supplies, and more. 

    Support Small Businesses

    Shopping local plays a huge role on sustainability. By shopping local you reduce travel time to corporate stores or even high amounts of pollutants from just getting a package delivered. Many small businesses are already adapting sustainable practices. This also means dining locally, finding your favorite local restaurant is a great start (it also helps you avoid fast food chains which plays a role in another dimension of wellbeing).

    Find local businesses:
  • Leave No Trace

    Pack It In, Pack It Out

    The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is a national organization that protects the outdoors by teaching and inspiring people to enjoy it responsibly. The webinar presented by Jennifer Johnson and Mary Aletta is relevant to anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors without harming the environment or creatures in it. 

    Webinar Highlights:
    • emphasis on front country, kids, and local audiences
    • focus on people as solutions and empower
    • soil and vegetation impacts
    • wildlife and water impacts
    • culture impacts
    • related research
    • The 7 Principles

    Cool Opportunity for Fourth Graders

    If you are in the 4th grade (or home school equivalent), you qualify for a free pass to the National Parks. The pass also covers family (children under 16 and 3 adults).

    Research shows that kids ages 9-11 are starting to learn about their environment and are open to new ideas, so 4th grade is the best time to start exposing them to national parks!

    The Every Kid In a Park website also includes a "plan a trip" function to simplify organizing your options. Amtrak offers a 75% off discount on train tickets when an adult buys a full-priced ticket. Educators can get passes for their students. Check to see if you qualify as a 4th-grade educator.