Throughout this class we have learned so much about the environment and where are role should be as a nurse. Much of what we have discussed is shocking, disturbing, terrifying and leaves us feeling like there is nothing we can REALLY do. Policy, corporations and corrupt government seem to rule on environmental issues and nurses have seemingly no credit to make a difference. Once this darkness and depression sets in, and we cant find anything to eat, products to put on our bodies or clean our house with that does not violate someones health....we need to stand up, gather our evidence and start making changes. These can be small as a single consumer- and lead to larger change in our homes, communities, schools, churches and hospitals. I have already begun to make small changes in my own home. We switched over to reusable beeswax paper to wrap up leftover foods. We use only EWG approved care & cleaning products. We have always been privileged to choose organic over conventional-but we are eating less meat and fish as well. I have shared many of the videos from this course with friends and colleagues. My voice has become much larger and more confident when it comes to talking about issues that impact the environment and recognizing that we all share this planet together. I have also become more active in reading journals and watching videos that keep me up to date on EH issues. This has become a work of passion for me and I absolutely see the value in educating future nurses more on environmental health. It is a HUGE field and one that needs to have a place in nursing higher ed. As scientists we need to raise our knowledge and use our voice to dispel the myths, change consumer practices and begin to shift policy towards protecting the earth and it's residents.
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