Episode 29: What is Sustainable Wellbeing? Artwork

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How can I live a more sustainable life? What actions really make a difference for the earth? How can I live a better, greener life? How do I deal with eco-guilt? How can we create a better future for ourselves, society and the planet? The Live. Well. Green. podcast addresses these big questions and finds practical solutions for living lighter on the earth while working towards social and personal wellbeing. With over 20 years of experience in the field of sustainability and environmental health, teaching these subjects to more than 10,000 students in post-secondary programs of Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Architecture, Community Health Sciences, and MBA programs, host Kristina Hunter brings evidence-based concepts and solutions to each episode. Do you want to find inner calm while living more sustainably? Do you wish there was a trustworthy source of information for greener living? Do you seek evidence-based information on how to do the right thing for the planet? Then this is the podcast for you. Here we find real solutions to environmental issues while living better with ease. Kristina provides practical steps that you can take to implement Sustainable Wellbeing and Green Living without adding to your daily time-pressures. This is where sustainable living and personal wellness meet, and this is where people and the planet truly flourish! www.KristinaHunterFlourishing.com

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Live. Well. Green.

Episode 29: What is Sustainable Wellbeing?

August 25, 2020 • Kristina Hunter • Episode 29

In today’s episode, we are going to answer the question: What is sustainable wellbeing? When we think about the word sustainable, the Merriam Webster Dictionary defines it as, “a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged.” In the context of environmental sustainability, as taken from the Brundtland Commission Report in 1987, sustainability means, “meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Now, we all have likely learned ways in which we can be more sustainable in our daily lives, like composting, riding a bike rather than driving, simply producing less waste, or using renewable energy sources, and that all fits into the category of environmental sustainability and sustainable living. It feels good to be compassionate towards the planet and animals, but it can still be difficult to see how our sustainable behaviors are positively affecting us on a personal level. That’s where sustainable wellbeing comes in, but how do we connect sustainability and wellbeing? Can we actually find personal wellbeing in looking after our mental and physical health, and do what is right for the planet at the same time? Well, yes we can! This episode goes into detail about how you can start making small steps towards your own sustainable wellbeing, ultimately living lighter on the planet, and also living well for yourself and for others. Tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

The definitions of sustainability and wellbeing from an environmental sustainability context.
Some sustainable behaviors, including spending time in nature and responsible consumption.
Sustainable wellbeing is the intersection between personal wellbeing and social and environmental sustainability.
Focusing on social sustainability: Building strong, healthy, resilient communities.
The fruits of taking action, including engaged citizens, food security for everyone, and societies where we know that Black Lives Matter.
How sustainable happiness connects personal or global happiness with environmental concerns.
Activities that are good for the environment and our physical and mental health, like sledding.

Key Messages:

1. Sustainable actions and behaviors can actually have a positive effect on our own wellbeing.

2. Actions that benefit us can also benefit the planet and society.

3. Living more sustainably can actually generate happiness.

4. Sustainable wellbeing involves our connection with nature.

5. Sustainable wellbeing includes being part of a community where we contribute and benefit.

6. The fruits of sustainable wellbeing are numerous.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Eight Elements of Wellbeing Framework

The Happiness Research Institute

Educating for Sustainable Happiness

The Nature Principle