We are just two weeks away from Campus Recreation’s Annual Flourish Fest, for the six weeks leading up to the event, we are highlighting different ways you can  practice fulfilling each of the six pillars of wellness. From physical wellness to this week’s pillar: environmental wellness, these practices will lead individuals to a healthier lifestyle. 

What is Environmental Wellness? 

As mentioned in previous blogs, the six pillars of wellness include, emotional, physical, social, intellectual, and environmental. Environmental wellness focuses on maintaining your well-being by surrounding yourself in a healthy environment while interacting with nature. While environmental wellness allows you to build a connection with nature, it also encourages individuals to learn about and contribute to the health of the Earth. 

How to be in Touch with Environmental Wellness? 

On and off campus, there are many ways to increase your environmental wellness. On April 12 on the quad, we encourage students to come learn about what they can do to help their health, as well as the planet’s. At Flourish Fest, organizations like the Outing Club, URI Master Gardener, Engineers for Sustainable World, and Habitat for Humanity will be sharing information and resources for students to connect their wellness through the environment. 

These clubs and organizations provide students with the opportunity to enjoy the environment safely and educationally. By participating in group camping activities, learning tips about the best gardening practices, finding sustainable practices, and providing housing for others, allows individuals to grow personally and find comfort in being outdoors. 

To learn more about ways to get involved on campus and the 150+ clubs URI has, click the link here! 

While our campus holds many clubs and opportunities to be in touch with your environmental wellness, there are ways off campus to connect with nature and be sustainable. One of the first ways to better your environmental wellness is to protect yourself from environmental hazards such as water pollution, second-hand smoke, and ultraviolet radiation. Practicing recycling and reducing waste is always encouraged to help the planet and feel good about what you are doing. 

Improving your environmental wellness also means doing your best to be sustainable. Conserving energy by turning off lights, using energy-efficient lightbulbs, and being aware of when appliances can be turned off helps save energy in the space you are living or working in. Additionally, turning off your water between brushing your teeth, shaving, or even washing the dishes helps to save water. 

Other ways to help the environment is by using reusable items and containers such as coffee cups, water bottles, lunch containers, and bags. At many grocery stores, they have eliminated the use of plastic bags to reduce the amount of plastic waste on the streets and beaches. Oftentimes, these grocery stores will have containers to collect plastic wrapping or bags, instead of throwing them away! It is important to always have a reusable bag on hand or in your car.

Additional Tips to Help Your Environmental Wellness

• • Change your products! Many cleaning products have unnecessary chemicals that cause harm to the environment. Using natural cleaners like baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, or essential oils is a great way to change up your cleaning routine. Cleaning products are essential to ensuring your home is maintained and fresh. To learn more about cleaning products and how to identify ones that are good for the environment, head to the Environmental Protection Agency’s website here! Additionally, try using clean personal products like shampoos and makeup. There are many apps and websites that show you if the product has unnecessary chemicals like sulfates and more. Check out Genesis Career College for more on this topic. 

• Improve your home air quality! In most homes, there are hidden allergens or dust that may cause sneezing or itchiness. Making sure to dust and vacuum your home regularly will help decrease the allergens. Additionally, adding a few houseplants is not only a way to welcome nature into your home, but it is a great way to improve the air quality in your home. Some of the best plants for your home are Aloe Vera, Queen Fern, Rubber Tree and many more that can be found here from Good Housekeeping! Many of these plants can be found locally in Rhode Island and can be picked up from Farmer’s Daughter located close to campus!  
• Always check the weather! As we are entering the warmer months, it is important to take note of the temperature. Complete your outdoor activities during the coolest part of the day and make sure to wear clothing like hats to protect yourself from the rays of the sun. Always be sure to wear sunscreen and invest in a pair of sunglasses that have UV protection. There are many sunscreens that are reef safe to protect our coral reefs and oceans. Check out Surfrider Foundation for more information about which sunscreen is best! 

Environmental wellness, as well as all of the other pillars of wellness, greatly contributes to one’s overall health. Ensuring you are taking the time to practice healthy habits and participate in learning experiences is a great start to building your environmental wellness. For more tips for living a healthier lifestyle, join us on the quad from 11-2 p.m. on April 12th.