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It Ain’t Easy Bein’ Green

Ideas for Environmental Wellness Programming in Community College Libraries

Morgan Pruitt | Central Carolina Community College

NC LIVE 2024 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

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What is Environmental Wellness?

From Boston University (n.d.): “Environmental wellbeing is valuing the relationship between ourselves, the spaces we live and work in, and the planet” (para 1)

From Northwestern University (n.d.): “Environmental wellness is defined as occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being” (para 1)

From the University of New Hampshire (n.d.): “Environmental wellness is contributing to and engaging with spaces that are safe, accessible, and sustainable” (para 1)

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Environmental Wellness

  • Believing that you have the ability to contribute positively to your environment (self-efficacy)
  • Learning about, caring for, and act responsibly toward your environment (animals, plants, community) and other people

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The most important part of this definition is that it tends to focus on the local environment (your region) and that it is predominantly about the environment (green space).

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Why Does It Matter?

Environmental wellness programming can…

  • Empower patrons
  • Connect community resources with one another
  • Have tangible (sometimes, immediate!) results

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What We’ve Done

Wake Audubon and CCCC Libraries Present "A Field Guide to Local Birds"

Good Vibes and Sunshine

All the Buzz about Bee Hotels

BIO 112 Nature Journaling/Walk

LibGuide: Nature & Conservation

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What We Hope to Do

Pollinator Garden

Seed Library/Exchange

Nest boxes

Nature Journaling Club

More workshops on sustainability

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How to Get Started

Getting started is easy!

  • Think local
  • Partner with your agricultural extension
  • Focus on empowerment rather than despair

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References

Boston University. (n.d.). Environmental Wellbeing. Wellbeing. https://www.bu.edu/studentwellbeing/what-is-wellbeing/environmental-wellbeing/

Northwestern University. (n.d.) Environmental Wellness. Wellness at Northwestern. https://www.northwestern.edu/wellness/8-dimensions/environmental-wellness.html

University of New Hampshire. (n.d.) Environmental Wellness. University of New Hampshire. https://www.unh.edu/health/environmental-wellness