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Craig Mealer of The Nebraska Medical Center, signs a pledge to do his part in making the environment healthier. |
Those who sign the pledge may enter into a drawing for a reduce, reuse, recycle bag, environmentally friendly shopping bags or a garden starter kit donated by HyVee grocery store.
Twenty students will be involved in staffing tables on the third floor of University Tower near the elevators, outside of the Nebraska Cafe, as well as in the college’s commons area on the second floor.
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UNMC College of Nursing students armed with information on how to protect the environment and our health. |
Leading public health experts now say that climate change is one of the most serious public health threats facing the nation.
“We’re all part of an even larger community,” said Nancy Farris, assistant professor of nursing. “If, as individuals, we make changes, then by all of us doing something, it will have an even larger impact.”
Each of the nursing faculty members and their classes chose a specific focus. Farris’ class is focusing on going green at home, Sharon Baker’s class is focusing on recycling, and students in the class of Marge Kaiser, Ph.D., are focusing on how to protect one’s self from environmental hazards.
Angelica Tellgren, UNMC nursing student, coordinated the event. “I used to have to search for environmentally-friendly products, but now it’s easier to find them,” Tellgren said. “Though some cost a few cents to a few dollars more than other products, the benefit to the environment is worth it.”
To take the pledge and for more ideas on helping create a healthier climate, visit the National Public Health Week Web site at http://www.nphw.org/nphw08/default.htm
For more information about UNMC’s pledge contact Baker at bakers36@msn.com
How to get involved:
Monday: Be Prepared. Inform yourself about the health impacts of climate change and climate change issues facing your community, and take actions to prepare for possible emergencies.
Tuesday: Travel Differently. Leave the car at home one day, and take public transportation. Walk or bike, but if you need to drive, carpool – and telecommute if you can.
Wednesday: Eat Differently. Buy food from a community farmer’s market that doesn’t travel across the country to get to you. Eat more vegetables, and less meat
Thursday: Green Your Work. Use recycled paper if you don’t already, and even if you do, print less often and on both sides of the paper. Set your computer to energy-saver mode and buy eco-friendly office furniture.
Friday: Green Your Home. Seal and insulate your home and replace air filters frequently to cut costs and save energy. Reduce your use of wasteful products, and reuse or recycle the products you do use. Conserve water whenever possible.