Environmental Wellness

Part of Campus Recreation’s mission is to create a culture of wellness in the Student Recreation Center and our campus community. Over the next few months, we’ll be examining eight different wellness dimensions and giving you some tips on how to incorporate holistic wellness into your daily life. First up – environmental wellness. 

What is environmental wellness?
Environmental wellness looks like living in harmony with nature and the world around you. It also involves understanding your impact on the world around you and taking actions to protect the Earth. Wellbeing of the environment might seem disconnected from your personal wellbeing. However, nature and the environment provide space for physical recreation, socializing, and mental decompression from work and school.

Tips for working on your environmental wellness

• Spend time outdoors – this may seem obvious, but spending some intentional time in nature (away from phones and screens, if possible) will help with your environmental and overall wellness. This time can be anything from a multi-day camping trip to a 10-minute walk through campus.
• Reduce your waste – Use reusable water bottles, containers, and bags. Also, recycle as much as possible.
• Reduce your impact – carpool, walk, bike, or take public transportation. Consider your water and electricity usage and see where you can cut down.
• Evaluate your spending habits – Recycling is great, but purchasing products made with recycled/sustainable materials is even better!
• Get involved – research the effects of capitalism and politics on the environment. Show support for environmental justice organizations and advocate for sustainability.

Environmental facts about SOU
Sustainability is one of the core values of Southern Oregon University. Campus Recreation and SOU are always working to implement sustainable practices and planning into our operations. Here are some ways we contribute to environmental wellness.

• The SRC is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certified. Check out the full list of our sustainable practices at our accessibility and sustainability webpage.
• SOU is a Tree Campus and is also the first Certified Bee Campus.
• SOU ranks as a Top 30 College for Nature Lovers according to Great Value Colleges.

Resources for environmental wellness

• The SOU Outdoor Program offers adventure trips and outdoor gear rentals to help you get outside and connect to the Southern Oregon region.
• The Farm at SOU is a student-run organic farm that produces sustainably harvested food for the community.
• The Student Sustainability Center (formerly known as ECOS) leads sustainability and environmental justice initiatives and programs. Some of their programs include the Real Food initiative and the Dish Loan Program.
• The SOU Center for Sustainability and Recycling Center ensure our campus community is environmentally conscious.
• Make your voice on environmental issues heard by participating in ASSOU’s Environmental Affairs Committee. The EAC manages the Green Fund, fees dedicated to implementing sustainable initiatives on campus.