Mindful Climate Action: Health and Environmental Co-Benefits from Mindfulness-Based Behavioral Training

Bruce Barrett, Maggie Grabow, Cathy Middlecamp, Margaret Mooney, Mary M. Checovich, Alexander K. Converse, Bob Gillespie and Julia Yates
Additional contact information
Bruce Barrett: Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
Maggie Grabow: Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
Cathy Middlecamp: Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
Margaret Mooney: Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies, Space Science and Engineering Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
Mary M. Checovich: Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
Alexander K. Converse: Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
Bob Gillespie: UW Health Mindfulness Program, Integrative Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53711, USA
Julia Yates: Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA

Sustainability, 2016, vol. 8, issue 10, 1-20

Abstract: Greenhouse gases from human activities are causing climate change, creating risks for people around the globe. Behaviors involving transportation, diet, energy use, and purchasing drive greenhouse gas emissions, but are also related to health and well-being, providing opportunity for co-benefits. Replacing shorter automobile trips with walking or cycling, or eating plants rather than animals, for example, may increase personal health, while also reducing environmental impact. Mindfulness-based practices have been shown to enhance a variety of health outcomes, but have not been adapted towards environmental purposes. We designed the Mindful Climate Action (MCA) curriculum to help people improve their health while simultaneously lowering their carbon footprints. Combining mindfulness-based practices with the Stages of Change theory, the MCA program aims to: (1) improve personal health and well-being; (2) decrease energy use; (3) reduce automobile use; (4) increase active transport; (5) shift diet towards plant-based foods; and (6) reduce unnecessary purchasing. Mindfulness practices will foster attentional awareness, openness, and response flexibility, supporting positive behavior change. We plan to test MCA in a randomized controlled trial, with rigorous assessment of targeted outcomes. Our long-term goal is to refine and adapt the MCA program to a variety of audiences, in order to enhance public health and environmental sustainability.

Keywords: active transport; carbon footprint; climate change; co-benefits; environmental impact; health; meditation; mental health; mindfulness; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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