Embedded Files
What is environmental wellness?
What is environmental wellness?
Environmental wellness is not just about the “environment” as nature, but the environment of your surrounding area. Environmental Wellness means to live, work, and study in a clean, safe environment where personal safety, hygiene, and health is maintained.
Environmental wellness is more than just the space itself. It focuses on the relationship and harmony between the individual, our community, and the environment as a whole. Being proactive in protecting the environment for yourself and others may ensure a more sustainable future and benefit your health in the long run.
Environmental wellness in your workplace and communal environment may mean:
Having a clean or organized working environment (studio, desk, workrooms)
Using toxic solvents like gamsol, spray paint, spray adhesives under a hood or in vent areas
Wearing masks and working in designated areas when using toxic and harmful materials such as blue foam, silica, cement, and plaster
Wearing hearing protection around heavy machinery such as woodshop, CNC machine, and jacquard loom
Reducing the use and waste of harmful chemicals that may pollute the sewage
Being mindful of the materials used in artwork and its effect on the environment
For environment as a whole it may mean:
Wearing weather specific protections such as sunscreen, sunglasses, winter coats, and rain coats
Wearing a mask when the air quality is poor
Buying seasonal produce or produce from local farmers when possible
Practicing “Leave no trace” to reduce the damage caused by outdoor activities such as camping and hiking
Personal environmental wellness might look like:
Surrounding yourself with people and things that you find positive and inspiring
Participating in your community
Caring for personal belongings and maintaining comfortable working and living space
(This personal wellness list is from University of Western Canada)
On-Campus Resources
On-Campus Resources
At the Nature Lab you can get hands-on with the incredible collection from the natural world. Through the Nature Lab students learn about ethical and sustainable modes of making! The Nature Lab also oversees the student club Regenerative Earth which is open to all students to join!
Email: nature@risd.edu
Phone: 401 454-6451
Location: Waterman Building, 13 Waterman Street
RISD Wellness Map | RISD Map | Google Maps
The RISD Wellness map is created by the Health and Wellness Ambassadors (HAWAs) and features wellness resources across these 10 dimensions of wellness on-campus and in Providence!
Email: healthpromotion@risd.edu
Disability Support Services (DSS)
Are you a student with a documented disability or looking for support in getting diagnostic testing? DSS is here to work with you. DSS provides appropriate accommodations that support student engagement in the whole RISD experience including access to the facilities and physical environment of RISD.
Email: disabilitysupportservices@risd.edu
Phone: 401 709-8465
Location: Carr House, 210 Benefit Street, 2nd Floor
RISD Wellness Map | RISD Map | Google Maps
A safe, clean, and healthy environment for living is a cornerstone of environmental wellness and we are committed to providing that to our residential community. If maintenance, hygiene, and safety issues arise in the Halls, reach out to your RAs and Community Coordinators for support!
Email: housing@risd.edu
Phone: 401 454-6650
Location: South Hall, 30 Waterman Street
RISD Wellness Map | RISD Map | Google Maps
Academic Department Studio Technicians
If you are feeling discomfort and have concerns with the environment of your studio, contact the shop technicians, monitors, or department coordinators to receive the accommodations you may need.
There are many student clubs on campus that focus on environmental studies and practices such as Regenerative Earth Collective (REC), Biomaterial Circle (BRIC), and other clubs with sustainability initiatives that are open to all RISD students to join.
Off-Campus Resources
Off-Campus Resources
Farm Fresh RI: Local farmers market open every Saturday
Groundwork RI: Subscribe to their composting program and have your compost picked up every two weeks
National Institute of Health: Environmental Toolkit
Page updated
Report abuse