Media Contact:
Korinne Haeffel
Executive Director
Phone: (414) 224-9422
Email address: korinne@wgba.org
Heather Goetsch
Program Manager
Phone: (414) 224-9422
Email address: hgoetsch@wgba.org
WISCONSIN GREEN BUILDING ALLIANCE HOLDS STATEWIDE 30X30 NATURE CHALLENGE IN JUNE
WHAT:
The Wisconsin Green Building Alliance (WGBA) is inviting Wisconsin residents and companies around the state to join the 30×30 Nature Challenge during June 2014. Living in the digital age, most of us spend too much time in front of screens and little time outdoors. It’s time for us all to get outside and cultivate the ‘nature habit’.
During the month of June, we’re challenging Wisconsinites to spend 30 minutes in nature every day for 30 days. Spending time in nature reduces stress and improves our well-being. We recommend leaving behind cell phones, tablets, radios, or other electronic devices. What participants choose to do during that time is up to them! Go for a walk in the park, enjoy a great view, have a picnic, or participate in a great outdoor activity with a local nature center.
WHO:
The Wisconsin Green Building Alliance (WGBA), local USGBC Chapter, works to promote sustainable, resilient building practices through education and outreach. WGBA knows our relationship with nature impacts our relationship with the built environment. A room with a view can lead to better concentration, decreased mental fatigue, and lower stress levels. Taking a break to go outside can increase creativity, curiosity, and problem solving abilities.
The 30×30 Nature Challenge was created in 2012 by the David Suzuki Foundation. The Foundation enabled the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance to host the challenge in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Challenge is supported by the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance, American Family Insurance, Evolution Marketing, Mequon Nature Preserve, Riveredge Nature Center, and Waukesha County Retzer Nature Center.
WHEN:
Each day June 1 – 30, 2014.
WHERE:
Nature isn’t a destination – it’s literally in your backyard. Green space is as close as your neighborhood park or garden. Community gardens, trails, ravines, and beaches are often a short diversion from your daily route. Time in nature is about getting outside and taking time to notice and connect with the non-human life around you. Even small green spaces are beneficial if you relax and pay attention to nature. The birds, bees (and other critters) are always nearby. You just have to take time to watch and listen.
WHY:
Average North Americans spend about 95% of their time in a building or vehicle and more than 6 hours a day in front of screens. We’re also increasingly urban and more disconnected from the natural world. Symptoms of our nature deficit are easy to spot: stress, obesity, heart disease, asthma and depression. The cost of our high-tech, indoor lives also shows up in the workplace: reduced productivity, lower job satisfaction, and higher rates of absenteeism.
Over the last decade, researchers documented what most of us know intuitively: nature is good for our health and well-being. Being regularly immersed in a natural setting-like a park, field, or forest-can reduce stress while boosting immunity, energy levels, and creativity. Nature truly is the best medicine!
A study by the World Economic Forum shows that wellness programs can play a powerful role in employee engagement, organizational productivity, talent retention, creativity, and innovation. The 30×30 Nature Challenge is a simple, yet meaningful way to build on current employee wellness programs.
Getting in touch with the outdoors has another great benefit: those who know and love nature work harder to protect it. WGBA wants to create a more sustainable and regenerative built environment. The built environment affects everyone – it’s all around us. We envision Wisconsin as a place where all people live, work, and build sustainable because where we live, learn, and labor matters.
HOW:
Visit http://www.wgba.org/challenge to register and access materials. Anyone is welcome to participate. WGBA has provided supporting materials for individuals and companies or community groups. The Challenge is free to participate.
MORE:
WGBA was featured on Wisconsin Public Radio’s Central Time on Friday, April 11, 2014 from 4:15 – 5:45 PM to announce and discuss the 30×30 Nauture Challenge. Access the audio and other information at http://www.wgba.org/challenge (right-hand side of the page).
About the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance
The Wisconsin Green Building Alliance (WGBA) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 charitable organization that serves the state of Wisconsin and is the official Wisconsin Chapter of the US Green Building Council (USGBC). WGBA seeks to shape Wisconsin’s future by facilitating and promoting ecologically sustainable practices within the built environment. WGBA works toward its mission through education, advocacy, and collaboration. Learn more about WGBA at http://www.wgba.org.
