Environmental Health Series
Learn more about the impact of the environment on your health and what you can do to positively impact the environment through your daily activities. Topics such as recycling, nature as a prescription, sustainability, red listed chemicals, climate change, and lawn care will be covered. Environmental Health experts from Northeast Ohio and beyond will share their expertise in this informative 7-week series for faculty and staff.
Thurs. - Oct. 6 - The Hows and Whys of Recycling (Carin Miller, Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District) - Recording Here
Where does your recycling go after it's picked up from the curb? During this presentation you'll learn the processes of recycling collection, sorting, and how they help determine the list of acceptable items to put in your recycling cart. We'll review the rules for Cuyahoga County, which are similar to most surrounding counties, and explain how to get information if you live in a neighboring county.
Thurs. Oct. 13 - Healthy Homes, Healthy People, Healthy Communities (Kim Foreman, Environmental Health Watch) - Recording Here
Environmental Health Watch (EHW), a vibrant 40-year-old organization, is a trusted thought leader for justice and health equity in our city and for our country. Our work is rooted in spurring systems change through policy, research, and most importantly through intentionally responding to the collective community voice. EHW operates "to create healthy, regenerative communities by justly enriching environments and respecting the value of people and place". The core pillars of our work, by which every opportunity and program must converge, are: Health, Equity, People, and Place.
Thurs. Oct. 20 - Environment and Health (Karen Mulloy, MD, CWRU School of Medicine) - Recording Here
Dr. Mulloy will describe environmental and occupational health, the interaction between exposures, and the health of individuals and populations, and how to promote a safe and healthy environment.
Thurs. Oct. 27 - What Can We Do About PFAS "Forever Chemicals"? (Kurt Rhoads, PhD, PE, CWRU Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering)
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used, persistent chemicals that are found in air, water, human blood, and food all over the world. PFAS can cause a wide range of health issues in humans, including cancer, decreasing fertility, increased cholesterol, and obesity. Governments, industries, non-profits and other stakeholders should work together to limit the production and use of PFAS, following guidelines such as the Madrid Statement on PFAS. In the meantime, consumers can reduce their exposures by choosing to consume products free from PFAS and altering their diet.
Thurs. Nov. 3 - The Nature Prescription (Jay Maddock, PhD, Texas A & M University)
This talk will examine the growing body of evidence examining the relationship between improved health and well-being and time spent in nature. Topics will include dose, measuring nature exposure, health benefits and potential pathways through which nature improves health. The development of evidence-based interventions to increase time in nature particularly those that address health disparities will also be covered.
Thurs. Nov. 10 - Sustainable Healthy Lifestyles (Stephanie Corbett, CWRU, Dir. of Energy, Sustainability and the University Farm)
Let's talk about how to become a sustainability champion in your home, school, work, church or PTA. We'll cover topics like basic sustainable home improvements, green purchasing, local food, food waste & composting for family vs. large groups, your carbon footprint and what choices impact it the most and local groups you can plug into to make change locally.
Thurs. Nov. 17 - How to Have a Beautiful Lawn Without Poisons (Alec McClennan, CEO of Good Nature Lawn Care)
Learn how you can have a beautiful and sustainable lawn, naturally. We'll cover what you do yet this season to set your lawn up for success next year as well as general tips and guidelines for taking care of your lawn so that you're ready for Spring!