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People who have access to and are engaged with the outdoors are more likely to be healthier overall compared to people who have less access to nature. With that in mind, keep your mind and body healthy by taking advantage of year-round activities in the greater Cleveland area!

On Campus Resources

  • Environmental Issues Group (EIG) is the student organization focused on sustainability and the environment.
  • Sustainability Committee
  • Sustainability Interns
  • Sustainability Retreat
  • Labre
  • Fair Trade

Off Campus Resources

  • Laudato Si​​​
    • Care for our common home 
    • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fj4WSTken3w
  • We sit in an ideal area of the country for a large variety of landscapes. The Cleveland Metroparks are spread out around the region and offer (mostly free) outdoor activities year-round. 
  • Shaker Lakes is a perfect place to visit if you don’t have easy access to a car because the parks are just down the road from JCU.
  • Carbon Footprint Calculator
  • Rustbelt Riders

The problem of climate change can be overwhelming and sustainability can be overwhelming.  How do you know where to start?

One place to start is to watch some of NowThis Earth's video playlist "One Small Step".  They cover topics ranging from composting, single use plastic, agriculture, and more!  

One Small Step

If you feel a lot of eco-anxiety here is another video with some steps about how to cope!

How to Cope with Climate Anxiety

Of all the fabric used for clothing, 87% ends up in landfills or is incinerated.  It is on us to buy clothes that last, keep them longer, donate or reuse what we have, and buy second hand.  

Every spring the Residence Life and the Environmental Issues Group works to help donate clothes and other goods at move out. 

If you're looking for more information on this topic check out the video below from Hasan Minhaj.

The Ugly Truth of Fast Fashion

Top Thrift Stores in the Area

  • Goodwill - Looking for good-quality items at a great price?  Most Goodwill stores introduce more than 2,000 new items onto the sales floor each day.
  • Avalon Exchange - They provide one of a kind, affordable treasures for fashion-forward individuals
  • Habitat of Humanity ReStore - Shop from a wide variety of gently used living, dining, bedroom, and office furniture, plus many unique decor items - all at a fraction of the cost.
  • MsFitXchange - an experienced group of fashion stylists with expertise in fashion and retail consultancy.
  • Revolve Fashion - Store buying & selling gently used clothing for women & tweens, plus accessories, furniture & decor.
  • Plato's Closet - Chain retailer buying & selling trendy secondhand clothing for teens & young adults.

 

The food we produce and eat play a large role in climate change.  24% of Global greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture, forestry, and other land use.  This is twice as much as the emissions from all of the cars.

Some things to focus on is eating more locally and having a more plant based diet.  Below is a video that helps us break down different kinds of food and the climate impact

The diet that helps fight climate change

 

If you're looking for some food ideas, here are some from Tabitha Brown!

How to Meal Prep 12 Easy Vegan Meals