Healthy Environments
Facts
Globally, nearly 25% of all deaths and the total disease burden can be attributed to environmental factors including:
- Exposure to hazardous substances in the air, water, soil and food
- Natural and technological disasters
- Physical hazards
- Nutritional deficiencies
- The built environment
Source: Healthy People 2020 [Internet]. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Environmental Health. Retrieved from https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/environmental-health .
The environment around you has a huge role in your well-being. This includes your living space, the campus, community, region, and the earth. It is important to recognize the impact the environment has on our well-being, and likewise, the impact our actions have on the environment. What is good for the environment will ultimately contribute to personal and societal well-being.
For example, when you use public transportation, ride a bike, or walk to your destination, you contribute to cleaner air, a societal good. At the same time you benefit. You may have extra study time if taking the light rail or bus. You reap the benefits of physical activity if biking or walking. Either way, you save money on parking, gas and car expenses.
Actions that contribute to environmental wellness include:
Personal level:
- Unplug your power cords when not in use
- Power down – when your monitor is not in use
- Turn off the lights, the oven
- Use LED lightbulbs
- Take shorter showers
- Use cold water to wash clothes
- Fix leaky faucets and running toilets
- Eat less meat
- Reduce, reuse and recycle
- Determine to make your carbon footprint smaller and smaller
Community level:
- Walk, bike, car pool.
- Advocate for improvements in and use public transportation.
- Avoid drive through lanes. Park, turn off the car, and go inside to conduct your business.
- Buy fresh produce that is not in Styrofoam or plastic packaging.
- Buy locally produced food to reduce the amount of fuel needed to transport the food to market, and to support the local economy.
- Consider where your purchases are made and the environmental cost of transporting them over land or seas.
- Become an advocate for enhancing roads and trails with greenery and designated space to support active commuting and physical activity.
- Support your local farmers market and Community Support Agriculture programs.
Calculate your carbon footprint using one of the online calculators:
Arizona State University has made an institutional commitment to sustainability. Stay informed on what ASU is doing to become a more sustainable campus.
ASU Sustainability Points of Pride.
The Sustainability Toolbox: Strategies and Resources for Sponsoring Green Offices and Events. An ASU Global Institute of Sustainability resource.
ASU Green Housing Program Checklist
Get involved or participate in these campus events:
Earth Day
Arboretum - Tempe campus
Ditch the Dumpster