Environmental Wellness

We may not think much about Environmental Wellness as part of an overall wellness plan, but our environment can have a huge impact on our emotional, physical and spiritual health.

Environmental well-being includes trying living in harmony with the Earth by understanding your impact on the natural world and your personal environment. It also includes taking action to protect the world around you. Protecting yourself from environmental hazards and minimizing the negative impact of your behavior on the environment are also central elements.

Leading a lifestyle that is respectful to our environment and minimizes is a critical part of environmental wellness. Examples of environmental threats include carbon dioxide production, air pollution, ultraviolet radiation in the sunlight, chemicals, noise, water pollution, and second-hand smoke.

A Person Who Is Environmentally Well

Environmental Wellness Programs at UC San Diego

Center for Student Involvement

  • The Center for Student Involvement offers a variety of environmental student organizations including VEG (Vegetarian Environmentalist Group), OEOJ (One Earth One Justice), and Roots and Shoots. Find out more information here: http://getinvolved.ucsd.edu

Housing Dining Hospitality

  • HDH Major Planet

    • There are many ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle on campus. This website will show you what you can recycle and how to do it at UC San Diego.
  • Housing Dining Hospitality Blog
    • Eating organic foods is not only healthy for you, but healthy for the environment. Learn more about the benefits of eating organic on the HDH blog.

Recreation

  • Challenge Course
    • The UCSD Challenge Course is designed as a team development facility built for the purpose of improving student leadership and communication. Our main focus is for student groups and other UCSD organizations, as well as community and corporate groups.
  • Moonlight Kayaking
    • Imagine, Mission Bay calm as glass, paddle drips break the reflection of the moon and city lights above the bay. This is a San Diego experience not to be missed. After a quick drive to the bay, we will have a short skills session and launch for the sunset and then paddle by moonlight.
  • Joshua Tree rock climbing trip
    • Joshua Tree is a backpacker's dream! The mild winter climate makes for perfect hiking weather. Amazing rock formations, plants, and wildlife make traveling here like walking on a different planet. We will spend the weekend backpacking through this area which serves as a connecting point between the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. Come see the famous Joshua Tree and enjoy some of the most majestic scenery in southern California! This is a beginning backpacking trip and we will be sure to cover all that you might need to know to safely and comfortably backpack.
  • Learn to Surf
    • San Diego is home to many premiere surf spots; come take part in the sport of kings! Learn the basics from "reading" the waves and knowing the ocean to standing up, turning and more. Age 16 & up. Swim test required prior to first in-water class. Boards are provided for class use. Wet suits can be rented at the Outback store.
  • Laguna Mountains Hike
    • Come and explore San Diego's beautiful back country with this exhilarating hike through the pines and meadows of our local mountains. The afternoon will be spent taking in the beauty of the hills, watching wildlife and hanging out with friends new and old. We will finish off the day with some fresh pie in Julian.

UC San Diego

  • Green Campus Program

    • Green Campus works to integrate sustainability into course curricula, build general campus awareness about environmental issues and implement projects targeting energy use, student involvement and operational changes. Green Campus interns also promote facility energy efficiency, green building practices and water conservation on campus and in the community by increasing awareness about energy and other sustainability related issues.

  • Earth Week

    • Attend a variety of events to learn how you can make a difference by taking action. Visit this page to learn about all of the events offered during Earth Week.

  • UC San Diego Farmer’s Market

    • Visit the Farmer's Market for specialties like these: fresh seasonal produce, flowers from local growers, homemade tamales, Asian BBQ, and freshly made crepes.

  • UC San Diego Commuting Alternatives

    • Information about shuttles, carpools, the pedal club, free or reduced bus passes, and other ways to travel in a more environmentally friendly manner.

  • Sustainability Solutions Institute

    • Check out the upcoming events offered by SSI, including the Greenovation Forums and Vidfest.
  • Social and Environmental Sustainability Committee (SESC)
    • The Social and Environmental Sustainability Committee, under Associated Students, is a collective of 13 different environmental and social student groups on campus, including Green Campus, OEOJ, Amnesty International, HERO, and the Compost Team.
  • Sustainability 2.0
    • UC San Diego's Sustainability Website
  • Walk UCSD
    • UCSD students, faculty, staff, and visitors are heartily invited to participate in Walk UCSD. Join us in improving personal health by including a daily walk in your busy routine.