Environmental Sessions

Sustainable food isn't just about what we eat. It’s where it comes from and how it’s grown, transported to the store, and packaged. Additionally, it’s about where everything goes after we eat. In this social engagement session, you will learn about what a sustainable food system is and how you can be more aware of your own consumption habits. And, reducing your environmental impact doesn’t automatically mean going vegan, although kudos to those of you who are. By being more mindful about food, we can make more impactful health decisions that are planet-friendly.

Zero waste has become a sustainability buzzword over the last several years. But how do you actually live with zero waste? Is it as hard as it looks, and if not, where do you start? In this social engagement session, we break it all down through an interactive activity. Learn how to follow the waste hierarchy (refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, rot) to implement simple changes and make intentional choices everyday to lower your impact on the planet. You'll leave with the tools you need to make zero waste an approachable way of life.

One of the easiest ways to reduce our environmental impact is to reduce food waste. But it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. In this this social engagement session, you will learn how to cook in a way that minimizes food waste. Along the way we'll discuss strategies for planning meals, proper storage techniques, and delicious recipes that make use of pantry staples. We'll also cover how to repurpose leftovers into new dishes so nothing goes to waste. So grab your aprons and get ready to cook up something to fight against food waste.

There’s a lot to learn about living more sustainably, but you hold the power to transform your diet and reduce your impact on the environment. And you don't have to upend your life, either. In this social engagement session, you'll receive step-by-step instructions for growing your own food, including vegetables, herbs, and greens. Pro tip: Spring is the perfect time to start your seedlings so you can reap what you sow all summer long. Plus, we’ll round out your education with Composting 101: what is it, why do it, and how to begin the circle of sustainable living.

Sustainability can be an intimidating topic for many of us. We often worry about making drastic changes to our lifestyle, or feel overwhelmed with all the information out there. But don't worry, there are a lot of small (and big) ways you can make a difference and become more conscious consumers. In this health talk we will discuss some common sustainable myths and explore different ways to get involved in the climate movement so you may become a more environmentally conscious person.

Natural disasters can happen without warning and result in serious injuries and property damage. Whether you live in an area prone to tornadoes, earthquakes, or wildfires, it’s always best to know what to do when nature strikes. In this health talk session, you'll learn how to make a disaster preparedness kit for work and home. Walk away with tips on how to devise your emergency plan and ways to protect yourself during and after a natural disaster.

Living a low-waste lifestyle and reducing your impact on the planet is easier than you think. For example, most household cleaners come in plastic bottles and contain harmful ingredients. Yet, we can make our own cleaning solutions at home using natural ingredients. In this social engagement session, we’ll take you through a fan-favorite recipe for a DIY all-purpose cleaner. Hint: All you need is water, vinegar, and essential oils. Just like that, you’ve limited wasteful packaging and saved some money on household supplies.