Reflection, encouragement, and relationship building are all important aspects of getting a new habit to stick.
Share thoughts, encourage others, and reinforce positive new habits on the Feed.
To get started, share “your why.” Why did you join the challenge and choose the actions you did?
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.
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.
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.
I am so grateful to the IU Health Spiritual Care System Meeting for allowing me to share my 10 Chaplain Actions that Promote Patient Health today! I think these actions apply to most healthcare workers, honestly. Take a look and let me know if any of them resonate for you. And feel free to drop your suggestions for anything you think I missed.
It was so great seeing all the things happening in IU Health for Earth Day! I hope you had a chance to mark the day in a meaningful way. A group of us at Methodist went on a Campus Nature Walk with an expert from the Indiana Native Plant Society. If you are curious to learn how you can become a nature champion in your very own yard or neighborhood, check out:
This sounds like great fun! Our health system hosts a native plants event in early May where participants have a chance to dig in, literally, planting a seed to take home.
So pleased to see Hoosiers enjoying the beautiful native plants and landscapes of central Indiana! I visit Indy and Bloomington every summer to see family, and I can't wait to spend time outdoors there!
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.
