I wanted to close out this Ecochallenge by posting a number of publicly available resources that can help us gain awareness of key environmental health metrics. These resources are free. And dare I say some of them are even fun to play around with!
Some of these at first glance might seem like things we don't normally talk about in healthcare: air pollution, waterways, soil health, energy grid fuel sources and real time admissions, fossil fuel infrastructure maps. But I am more convinced than ever after spending this month learning about planetary health that these things are foundational to health.
In case anyone is interested, feel free to add these to your tabs. These are the vital signs for a healthy planet:
I joined this challenge because I'm excited that IU Health is recognizing areas that could be more environmentally friendly. One thing I changed in our home about 2 - 3 years ago was to start using cloth napkins. I purchased some through Etsy because they have cute patterns. We have a two-tiered fruit holder -- clean napkins are folded and placed on the bottom basket, gently used can go on the top tier, and used ones go in a little basket on top of our dryer and they all get washed once a week. I've also been using reusable cloth rounds and makeup removers instead of the cotton ones. I've also switched to bar shampoo and conditioner. That was an adjustment but once I got used it it's been great for my hair. Finally, I've been using and collecting the handmade soaps from craft fairs for years.
Yes to all this Kris. Great points. Reusable napkins aren't just better for the environment -- they're cuter and make us happier!
I'm also resonating with your point on shampoo and conditioner bars. I am completely happy to buy my bath/shower items in a dry bar form. And since I'm not big on scents, I honestly don't even need a plastic coated cardboard box to transport them in. For me, packaging-free bath items is totally feasible. Now if the manufacturers will just see a) there a customers ready for this change and b) it is possible!
bought local maple syrup which is so good for us, full of minerals and vitamins naturally and real cow milk, the local Springville market store where i live -- allows locals to put their products there for sale
a momma and daddy bird found a whole in my kitchen window screen, there was 5 eggs total, and i can see 4 baby beaks when i can look through the peep hole, so cute --- just had to let them do their things ......
I joined this challenge to try something new and able to achieve my goals without logging in every day. I don't have access while I am out or on weekends. I set a daily calendar reminder to log in during the week.
I always tell people: log in as often as is helpful for you. Yeah, sure, its fun to have a little friendly competition and track our numbers. But the bottom line of this whole deal? Raise awareness and spark change. So thanks for being part of the challenge, enjoy the process, and carry the lessons forward into work and life!
As we wrap up Earth Month, we look forward to May which brings us Mental Health Awareness Month. Coincidence? (haha)
On a serious note, we are surrounded by difficult news about climate change and environmental injustice all the time. We need to remember that mental health is a crucial component of sustainability. We have to fuel up and recharge ourselves on this journey towards "healthcare without harm." Sometimes it feels like we are fighting a losing battle. As a chaplain, I have the opportunity to make meaning with people and the truth is that the same could be said about a lot of things in life - especially the fact that everyone dies some day. So we look for that positive reframe, that thing about life that makes it worth living - to live well in every aspect of life while accepting the things that are out of our control.
At UCSF's Stress Measurement Network you can find a number of validated tools to assess levels of climate stress, eco-anxiety, eco-grief and other related themes. Consider circulating them in your institution to get data on how much your work friends are dealing with climate stress. And then use that data to advocate for more investment, more pathways to action, more solutions that can help us make the progress we want to make for our patient's health and our own health.
Had the opportunity and privilege to volunteer at the Aspire House on Earth Day with my fellow IUHealth team members. It was a great time, planting flowers, cleaning the neighborhood, and meeting other individuals. Very glad to of had this opportunity!
Awesome Joe and all those who volunteered with you. Those kinds of things really connect what we do inside the four walls of the hospital to the every health conditions in our community.
Paul Goodenough 4/25/2025 5:24 AMAwesome Joe and all those who volunteered with you. Those kinds of things really connect what we do inside the four walls of the hospital to the every health conditions in our community.