ERIC Number: EJ1374805
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Jun
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1053-8259
EISSN: EISSN-2169-009X
Habits of Connection: From Sustainability and Saviorship to Reciprocity and Relationship
Wise, Maggie; Martin, Bruce; Szolosi, Andrew; Foreman, Tamarine
Journal of Experiential Education, v46 n2 p238-255 Jun 2023
Background: 45-60% of global climate emissions come from individual consumerism choices. In Western culture, nature is seen as a resource, a series of challenges to conquer, limited to facts and figures, or a threat. As practices and language of sustainability still view the environment simply as a resource, and therefore as something separate from us that can be used, any gains in sustainability are simply band-aids covering the deep wound of relationship. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to propose a shift in focus to practices of nature-connection in outdoor education programming to develop habits of reciprocity and enhance human and nature well-being and relationship. Methodology/Approach: Research demonstrates a practical way to change how we relate to our environment is to change our habits. The pathways of nature connection provide simple behaviors that improve human-nature relationship and well-being. Findings/Conclusions: The ecological crisis is nothing more than a crisis of relationship. The pathway lies not in sustainability and saviorship, but in reciprocity and relationship cultivated by forming habits of nature connection. Implications: By shifting programmatic focus to the development and transfer of nature connection habits, outdoor educators can start the ripples of reciprocity with nature.
Descriptors: Outdoor Education, Climate, Sustainability, Environmental Education, Conservation (Environment), Well Being, Ecology, Public Health
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A