Environmental Wellness: A Key Aspect of Whole Health

By Conor Michael, B.A.

While it remains a topic of considerable political controversy, particularly in the United States, climate change and its effects on environmental wellness is undoubtedly one of the most pressing issues facing our society today. With its roots in the 19th century conservation movement, which arose in response to the destructive impact of the nation’s rapid industrial expansion on nature, the modern discipline of environmental science has shown the reciprocal relationship between environmental health and human well – being.

The growing field of environmental wellness, according to Canada’s Western University, “is a process that involves learning about and contributing to the health of the planet. This involves establishing a sustainable lifestyle, protecting natural resources, and eliminating pollutants and excessive waste… Being environmentally well enhances your personal health, and helps ensure the future health of our communities and the world.”

NIWH, as the pioneering developer of the concept of Whole Health and model of Whole Health Education ® starting in 1977, has identified the impact of environment as one of the 5 Aspects of a person’s whole health. “The environment we live in exerts one of the most critical influences on the quality and quantity of life we live. Air, water, weather, noise, pollution, energetic emissions, politics, war, economics are some of the many environmental issues we can face.”

Awareness of the above mentioned factors can help  to develop strategies to offset the multiple impacts of climate change on health and wellness in the United States. While rising sea levels, temperatures, and widespread droughts are responsible for direct injury, death, infrastructure damage and loss of property, some indirect consequences of climate change include: air pollution which increases rates of respiratory illnesses, water related illnesses due to changing sea temperatures, compromised food safety as a result of rising foodborne illnesses, as well as adverse impacts to mental health.

As the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences reports, consideration of contributing social, economic, and political factors impacting populations vulnerable to the effects of climate change including poverty, discrimination, lack of access to proper medical care, educational disparities, and unhealthy environments are also critical in order to formulate holistic models of public health which support strongly at risk communities.

On the individual level, taking time to recharge and relax in a calm, natural environment away from the noise and distractions of daily life can serve as a key component of Whole Health Self Care. Engaging in practices such as forest bathing, grounding, and other activities in nature can have myriad health benefits. Among them are reduced levels of respiratory illness, improved sleep, reduction of depression symptoms, increased immunity, physical activity, and greater emotional well-being.

By understanding the impact and implications of environmental wellness, we can learn to see the big picture to realize optimal whole health, individually and collectively.