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Sustainability Action Plan
Health and Happiness
the Action Plan for this principle
Below is the Sustainability Action Plan for Health and Happiness
This is only the Plan so far, and more actions are always being added by us and by you, as ideas on this site. Vote on all the new ideas we are considering on the Ideas page.
Some of the actions below you can do right away, and others are long-term actions that may need some organisation or funding to get underway. They are all equally important!
Long-term Action:
Give up smoking!
We are all aware of the health risks of smoking but did you know that it takes 3 square kilometres of land just to keep Sutton residents supplied with tobacco? With competing demands on land for essentials like food and energy, there may not be space for smoking.
BioRegional came up with this idea.
Benefit:
Action you can take now:
Sutton Green Drinks
Sutton Green Drinks take place on the first Wednesday of every month from 6:30 'til late in the Swan Bar as you enter The Greyhound Pub, directly opposite the Ponds at Carshalton on the A232 (SM5 3PE). It is a monthly social for anyone interested in environmental issues. Just turn up or email suttongreendrinks@EcoLocal.org.uk for more details.
BioRegional came up with this idea.
Action you can take now:
Get to know your neighbours
From our Hackbridge sustainability visits we have found that there is a great sense of community in Hackbridge and most people know about seven of their neighbours by name and some know thirty! Knowing neighbours is very important and also helps to reduce crime - a recent study found that areas with a strong sense of community have lower crime rates, particularly burglary and vehicle crime.
According to researchers, "over the last 20 years more than a dozen large studies have shown that people who are socially disconnected are between 2 and 5 times more likely to die from all causes, compared with matched individuals who have close ties with family, friends, and the community." (Putnam, 2000)
If you don't know all of yours why not pop over and introduce yourself?
BioRegional came up with this idea.
Action you can take now:
Follow the happiness manifesto - 10 tips from that are scientifically proven to make you happier!
• Plant something and nurture it
• Count your blessings - at least five - at the end of each day
• Take time to talk - have an hour-long conversation with a loved one each week
• Phone a friend whom you have not spoken to for a while and arrange to meet up
• Give yourself a treat every day and take the time to really enjoy it
• Have a good laugh at least once a day
• Get physical - exercise for half an hour three times a week
• Smile at and/or say hello to a stranger at least once each day
• Cut your TV viewing by half
• Spread some kindness - do a good turn for someone every day
BioRegional came up with this idea.